FBI Laboratory Division
Created in 1932, the FBI Laboratory is one of the largest and most comprehensive crime labs in the world. FBI Laboratory personnel are dedicated to using the rigors of science to solve cases and prevent acts of crime and terror.
What We Do
We collect, analyze, and share timely scientific and technical information. Some of our personnel perform forensic science examinations of evidence. We use 20 different forensic science disciplines at the FBI Laboratory, such as DNA, latent fingerprints, general chemistry, toxicology, technical exploitation, etc.
We provide expertise and resources to FBI field offices and law enforcement partners in the collection, analysis, and documentation of forensic evidence.
We also support law enforcement investigations by ensuring that evidence is collected safely in hazardous situations; documenting crime scenes visually using state-of-the-art technology; and conducting cutting-edge forensic science research.
Who We Are
Not all FBI Laboratory personnel are scientists! While we do have biologists, chemists and physical scientists on staff, we also have electronics engineers, forensic operations specialists (i.e., crime scene response experts), photographers, visual information specialists (i.e., graphic designers), and many others.
Forensic scientists at the FBI Laboratory don’t perform all the different types of exams available. They usually specialize in only one forensic science discipline.
Biometrics
Biologists examine forensic DNA to support criminal, missing persons, and intelligence cases.
Photographers support federal, state, local, and international law enforcement investigations by photographing crime scenes, evidence, and latent fingerprints.
Physical scientists process evidence using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to support the FBI’s national security and law enforcement missions.
Chemistry
Chemists and metallurgists analyze evidence, report findings, provide court testimony, assist in crime scene investigations, and provide advanced training to law enforcement agencies. Chemists examine threat letters, dyes, tear gases, bank dye packs, and more. They can also look at paints and polymers. Metallurgists analyze metal evidence to learn about composition and properties, such as piecing together fragments of weapons or learning about a building collapse.
Toxicology experts examine biological samples and food evidence for the presence of poisons or drugs.
Chemists, physical scientists, and special agents examine improvised explosive and incendiary devices and their remains to identify explosive material and bombing components.
Document Analysis
Cryptanalysts crack the case by cracking the code—examining manually encrypted documents and records of illegal enterprises to identify terrorism, foreign intelligence, and criminal activities. They decrypt manual codes and ciphers used by gangs, drug traffickers, human traffickers, and more. Cryptic symbols from graffiti, tattoos, and other sources provide key leads to law enforcement.
Document analysts examine and compare handwriting, typewriting, office machine printing, indented writing, torn edges, plastic bags, and reconstructed paper shreds, to name a few. They also compare shoe prints and tire tread evidence to pinpoint a brand of footwear or tire.
Electronics Analysis
Electronics engineers and electronic technicians research and analyze improvised explosive devices and their circuitry. Their reports support intelligence analysis and criminal prosecutions.
Evidence Management
Physical scientists receive, catalog, photograph, and document the evidence submitted to the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. Evidence received is handled and maintained to best preserve it for forensic examinations and technical exploitation.
Firearms & Toolmarks
Physical scientists conduct forensic examinations of firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue, bullet trajectories, and other closely related physical evidence. Scientists and other specialists can compare bullets to barrels, determine the distance from where a gunshot was fired, and examine shot patterns.
Forensic Services
Visual information specialists (forensic artists) produce composite sketches, digital image modification, postmortem imaging, and facial approximation. These services are only available to the FBI's law enforcement partners (federal, state, local, and international).
Response
Biologists, chemists and physical security specialists collect and analyze chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials (CBRN) to support investigations involving hazardous materials and/or weapons of mass destruction.
Forensic operations specialists support evidence collection in a variety of unsafe environments, such as crime scenes involving hazardous materials, treacherous or physically inaccessible locations, confined spaces, and underwater operations.
Visual information specialists and photographers provide photographic, graphic, and physical modeling services to support investigations and prosecutions.
Trace Evidence
Physical scientists and geologists examine evidence as microscopic as a human hair. They look at fibers, fabric, cordage, soil, and glass, as well as geologic, building, and skeletal material. Forensic anthropologists can analyze human skeletal remains for investigative clues.
