Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab Awarded

National Accreditation

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Division has received accreditation status from the Laboratory Accreditation Board of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). In achieving this distinction, the Sheriff’s Office joins only 238 accredited local, state, federal and private forensic laboratories in 37 states, the District of Columbia and five foreign countries. Of particular note, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is one of only a dozen agencies whose department’s evidence storage facility has been accredited by ASCLD and is the only agency in the state to have met these high standards.

"Accreditation is a significant accomplishment which required many months of preparation and the ongoing commitment of both the Division staff and the Office of the Sheriff Administration,” said Karen Sheldon, Chief of the Forensic Services Division. “It is an honor to join other forensic laboratories that have the distinguished themselves by meeting these high standards. "

Accreditation is a long process where inspectors evaluate applicant laboratories for compliance in over 140 criteria representing administrative practices, personnel qualifications, training and proficiency testing of personnel, safety practices, quality assurance measures and operations and security and control of evidence and facilities. ASCLD accreditation is a voluntary program. “Forensic laboratories that elect to participate in accreditation demonstrate a commitment to improve the quality of forensic laboratory services provided to the criminal justice communities they serve,” said Chief Sheldon.

The Office of the Sheriff forensic services facilities are located in Martinez. The Division provides scientific analysis of evidence, crime scene investigation and criminal identification services to more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Contra Costa and Solano counties. The Division uses advanced technologies to analyze drugs, firearms, fingerprints, DNA and trace evidence. Toxicology analysis is provided to assist in cause of death determination for cases under the investigation by the Coroner's Office.