Headquarters (Santa Fe) Forensic Laboratory

P.O. Box 1628
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1628
(505) 827-9136 ph.
(505) 827-3318 fax

The Santa Fe Forensic Laboratory was created in 1972, as part of the New Mexico State Police, to provide forensic chemical and latent print analytical support to all law enforcement agencies within the state. Today, the Laboratory consists of five laboratory units that provide high quality forensic services for all state, local and federal law enforcement agencies in New Mexico.

Forensic services currently offered:

• DNA/Serology
• Firearms/Toolmarks
• Latent Prints/Footwear/Tire Track
• Chemistry (Question Controlled Substances)
• Evidencing (For Laboratory Only)

The Santa Fe Forensic Laboratory has thirty authorized positions; forensic scientists, support and administrative staff. In addition to analyzing forensic casework examinations, the forensic scientists regularly provide expert testimony in New Mexico courts of law and provide training/assistance for law enforcement, attorneys, and other groups.

Three forensic database programs have been implemented that have significantly aided criminal investigations in New Mexico:

• CODIS: Combined DNA Index System provides the potential of linking assailants to crimes, in cases without suspects, and linking serial crimes not known to be related.

• IBIS: Integrated Ballistics Information System provides the potential of linking firearms to crimes and linking crimes that were committed using the same firearm.

• AFIS: Automated Fingerprint Identification System provides the potential of linking latent prints left at crime scenes, to individuals whose prints are contained in the System.

The DPS Santa Fe Forensic Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). Accreditation is a voluntary program in which the laboratory demonstrates adherence to established quality standards.