Scientific Analysis

The FBI Laboratory’s scientific analysis efforts provide technical leadership and advancement of forensic sciences for the FBI and its partners, high-quality chemical and metallurgical analyses and training, expertise in cryptanalysis and firearms/toolmarks, and examinations of trace evidence and questioned documents.
Research and Support
The Research and Support Unit (RSU) provides technical leadership and advancement of forensic sciences for the FBI—as well as for federal, state, local, and international agencies—through applied research…
FBI/DOJ Microscopic Hair Comparison Analysis Review
The purpose of the review is to ensure that FBI Laboratory examiner testimony regarding microscopic hair comparison analysis…
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…
Chemistry
The Chemistry Unit conducts timely, high-quality chemical and metallurgical analyses on evidence, reports findings, provides testimony in court…
Questioned Documents
The Questioned Documents Unit (QDU) provides forensic support to the FBI and federal, state, and local law enforcement…
Trace Evidence
The Trace Evidence Unit (TEU) identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during…