Science and Technology
Whether it’s examining DNA or fingerprints left at a crime scene or linking exploded bomb fragments to terrorists, the FBI Laboratory’s world-class scientists use scientific rigor to solve cases and prevent crime and terrorism.
And our FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, or CJIS, provides a range of state of-the-art tools and services to law enforcement, national security and intelligence community partners, and the general public.
Law enforcement agencies can learn about services provided by the FBI Laboratory and CJIS on the FBI’s law enforcement site.
Forensics
The FBI has elite teams who collect evidence under the guidance of subject matter experts who provide training, resources, and support to these teams.
If a crime scene is complex or dangerous, technical hazards response experts ensure the FBI can safely access and collect evidence that involves:
- underwater operations
- confined spaces
- remote locations
- or hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials
Other forensic response experts and FBI photographers can provide detailed crime scene surveys, documentation, various types of photography, 2D and 3D models, and more to support FBI or law enforcement partner agency investigations and to aid in prosecution.
Scientific analysis
Nearly anything connected to a crime scene can provide clues for the FBI’s scientists—like a tire tread, a piece of hair, or a code scribbled on paper.
Forensic scientists and staff at the FBI's Laboratory Division use many scientific analysis techniques—such as cryptanalysis, document analysis, trace evidence, latent prints, and chemistry—to help crack the case.
Criminal records and information
The FBI uses collections of criminal records and other law enforcement information—like fingerprints, palm prints, and iris scans—in our investigations.
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, or CJIS, provides a range of tools and services to our partners in law enforcement, national security, and the intelligence community, as well as to the general public.
Technical hazards response
The FBI’s technical hazards team makes sure the FBI can access complex, dangerous crime scenes. These professionals ensure the health and safety of these scenes and make sure responders can gather evidence safely. They help the FBI work treacherous or difficult-to-access crime scenes like those in rocky terrain or even under water.
Operational technology
The FBI’s operational technology experts have technical capabilities that help the FBI and other law enforcement agencies investigate crime and terrorism. These experts exploit digital and multimedia evidence and support investigations involving digital evidence.
The FBI’s Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories are full service forensic laboratories and training centers, devoted to examining digital evidence.
Lawful access
Law enforcement agencies all over the country are bumping up against "warrant-proof" encryption. This means that even with a warrant, law enforcement cannot obtain the electronic evidence needed to investigate and prosecute crimes or security threats.
