Created in 1932, the FBI Laboratory is today one of the largest and most comprehensive crime labs in the world. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility in Quantico, Virginia, the Lab’s scientific experts and special agents travel the world on assignment, using science and technology to protect the nation and support law enforcement, intelligence, military, and forensic science partners.
Whether it’s examining DNA or fingerprints left at a crime scene or linking exploded bomb fragments to terrorists, the men and women of the FBI Laboratory are dedicated to using the rigors of science to solve cases and prevent acts of crime and terror.
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) allows labs to exchange and compare DNA profiles to link serial violent…
DNA Casework
The DNA Casework Unit provides forensic DNA examinations to the FBI and other duly constituted law enforcement agencies…
Federal DNA Database
The Federal DNA Database Unit (FDDU) analyzes the Core CODIS loci DNA markers from buccal and blood samples…
Latent Print
The Latent Print Unit (LPU) consists of the Latent Print Operations Unit (LPOU) and the Latent Print Support…
Research and Support
The Research and Support Unit (RSU) provides technical leadership and advancement of forensic sciences for the FBI—as well as…
Questioned Documents
The Questioned Documents Unit (QDU) provides forensic support to the FBI and federal, state, and local law enforcement…
Firearms/Toolmarks
The Firearms/Toolmarks Unit (FTU) applies valid scientific procedures to the forensic examinations of firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks…
Cryptanalysis & Racketeering
The Cryptanalysis and Racketeering Records Unit (CRRU) examines both manually encrypted documents and records of illegal enterprises, as…
Trace Evidence
The Trace Evidence Unit (TEU) identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during…
Chemistry
The Chemistry Unit conducts timely, high-quality chemical and metallurgical analyses on evidence, reports findings, provides testimony in court…