The Crime Laboratory offers forensic services in seven different scientific disciplines within the Technical Services Division and the Forensic Sciences Division. The Forensic Science Division consists of: Forensic Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology (DNA), Firearms and Forensic ID Units. The Technical Services Division consists of the Crime Scene Unit which ensures the quality and integrity in the handling, transport, and processing of crime scene evidence. The Quality Assurance Unit is directly responsible for the implementation and monitoring of a quality system within each unit of the Crime Laboratory.

The PBSO Crime Laboratory has been awarded and has maintained national accreditation through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) since 1991 and in 2012 was awarded accreditation for compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 standards. The ISO accreditation preparation was accomplished with the dedication and support of all Crime Laboratory scientists, examiners and support staff. The Biology Unit also maintains compliance with all FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Case working Laboratories. In addition, many of the Crime Laboratory’s qualified scientists, examiners and investigators are nationally certified in their scientific specialty, a rare accomplishment in forensic laboratories.

The PBSO forensic databases are essential crime-fighting tools which have provided and continue to provide important investigative case leads for law enforcement. Database “hits” are routinely processed in the Firearms, DNA and Latent Print Units.

The Crime Laboratory receives hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in federal grants to upgrade instruments, validate new technologies, provide training for the scientists and increase efficiency and capacity within the units. Interns and volunteers are an important part of several units, allowing for firsthand experience while providing additional support.

The PBSO Forensic Scientists publish scientific results and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals, present novel technical methodologies at national and international meetings and are active members of national, state and local scientific advisory boards.

The Crime Laboratory staff strives to provide valuable forensic services to the citizens of Palm Beach County.

Tate Yeatman, M.S., F-ABFT, ABC-DA
Crime Laboratory Director