What services does Forensic Services provide?

We are a full service laboratory providing crime scene response, controlled substance analysis, fingerprint identification, latent print comparison, blood and urine examination for alcohol and drugs, serology, DNA, and firearms and toolmark comparisons.  We do not perform trace analysis (hairs, fibers, paint chips, etc.), questioned document examination, or gun shot residue (GSR) testing.

How many cases does Forensic Services work on each year?

These numbers include requests completed for the City of Mesa, Town of Gilbert, City of Tempe and Town of Queen Creek.

For 2023:

 DUI Blood (Alcohol):  3,670
 DUI Blood (Drugs):  3,025
 DUI Urine:  53
 Controlled Substances:  5,271
 Serology/DNA:  435/908
 Latent Print/Shoe & Tire:  266/3
 ABIS Verification Searches:  3,336
 Crime Scene Unit:  6,706
 Volunteer Crime Scene:  45
 Firearms (includes NIBIN):  862
 Firearms Examined:  135
 Forensic Art:  1

How many people work in Forensic Services?

62.

How long does it take to get back results from AFIS, CODIS and/or NIBIN?

AFIS (fingerprint, AZ only):  <10 minutes
NGI (fingerprint, FBI database):  <12 hours
CODIS (DNA - local):  Immediate response
CODIS (DNA - State):  Within 24 hours
CODIS (DNA - National):  Within 48 hours
NIBIN (all searches):  < 4 hours

Are the AFIS, CODIS and NIBIN databases local, state-wide, nation-wide or world-wide?

AFIS (fingerprint):  Arizona only, searching over three million fingerprint records. However, we also have NGI through the FBI.  NGI is national and contains over 100 million fingerprint records.

CODIS (DNA): There are local, state, and national databases. Each must be searched separately.

NIBIN (firearms): The NIBIN network is composed of over 200 systems across the nation with over 1.5 million records. Entries automatically search locally against other Arizona entries but other sites or regions can be searched manually.

Can you process vehicles on site?

Yes. We have a large examination bay capable of holding one large vehicle such as a RV or two passenger cars. Additionally, vehicles can be processed where they were found or at an impound facility.

How big is the lab and when was it built?  Is there a morgue in your building?

The lab is 46,000 square feet; about half of that is laboratory space. Although construction was complete in the late summer of 2008, planning began in 2000. Construction bonds were approved by Mesa voters in 2004, ground was broken in June 2007, and completion in August 2008. By phasing the moving process throughout September 2008, we minimized the service disruption to the citizens of Mesa.

There is no morgue in the building. Post mortem examinations are performed by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.

How do I get started in Forensics?

Read job descriptions for the type of position you want. Do NOT settle for just reading one job description. The more you read, the better idea of the types of skills employers are looking for. Read the educational requirements and compare to your background. Talk to people currently working in forensics. Ask how they got started! If you are in school, talk to a guidance counselor and visit the career center.  Apply for an internship or volunteer. Be willing to move! Most likely, the lab(s) in your area have only a few openings per year. Finally, find a lab that is accepting applications and apply!

What is the best college degree if I want to work in Forensics?

There is no "best" degree. Forensics is a large field of study and contains many sub-disciplines. What is it about forensics that excites your imagination? Pick that as your field of study. Perhaps it is examining blood for foreign substances (Toxicology), or testing clothing for biological evidence (Biology/Serology/DNA), or identifying a fingerprint left behind (Latent Print Examination)? Each discipline looks for specific skills. Some of these courses may be offered at your local community college. However, in general: a BS or MS in Chemistry, or Forensic Science with a strong emphasis in chemistry for most positions; or a BS or MS in Biochemistry, Biology or Forensic Science with an emphasis in genetics for DNA positions. Please visit the City of Mesa's Jobs page or https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/employment.html for links to job descriptions and requirements.