Building a Forensic Laboratory

Aided by a grant from the National Institute of Justice, this publication was spawned by a 2-day workshop attended by members of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and coordinated by the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The publication provides guidelines for laboratory managers who plan to improve their facilities, with attention to forensic concerns. The guidelines focus on safeguarding the integrity and objectives of the profession, maximizing organizational efficiency, ensuring economical expenditures of resources, and providing a safe working environment for employees. The guidelines address issues that range from site planning to moving into a new facility. A second publication, entitled "Forensic Sciences: Review of Status and Needs," is nearing completion. It focuses on future requirements for forensic laboratories and the forensic science community.