DC's crime lab regains accreditations

D.C.s Department of Forensic Science is fully accredited again after losing its accreditation in 2021. 

Big picture view:

D.C.’s Department of Forensic Science has not been cleared to analyze certain evidence – like DNA, firearms and fingerprints – since 2021. DFS lost its accreditation due to weak legislation, lack of resources, and a decision by prosecutors to act outside the statutory oversight structure. 

Now that the crime lab is re-accredited, D.C. says it can speed up the time it takes to process evidence from crimes, which previously were being shipped out to third parties. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: DC's crime lab could regain accreditation

What they're saying:

The crime lab's Latent Fingerprint Unit just had its accreditation restored, and the biology and chemistry labs were re-accredited in recent months. 

Officials say having D.C.'s cri lab back in good standing will help police solve crimes and help prosecutors more easily and successfully take cases to court. 

"It means a lot to have the reputation of the agency restored because that in turn attracts scientists to apply for the jobs.  As it is right now in the different units we are well-staffed. But now that we have accreditation, more requests are going to come our way and then we're going to increase our personnel," said Dr. Francisco Diaz, Director of the Department of Forensic Sciences. "Our goal is to have an agency that is not impugned or besmirched. Our goal... at least the goal of the mayor...  is to have an agency that is a premier agency and to deliver scientific results."

The Source: This story includes reporting from FOX 5 DC's Bob Barnard and previous FOX 5 DC reporting. 

Washington, D.C.Metropolitan Police DepartmentNews