Southern Forensic Laboratory

P.O. Box 2336
Mesilla Park, New Mexico 88047-2336
(505) 541-7580 ph.
(505) 541-7594 fax

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Southern Forensic Laboratory began as a two person operation, in November of 1989. Housed on the New Mexico State University campus, the Southern Forensic Laboratory provided controlled substance analysis and latent fingerprint comparison services to the southern portion of New Mexico.

In its fourteen years of existence, the DPS Southern Forensic Laboratory has grown to a staff of seven and has increased its services to include fire debris analyses for the entire State of New Mexico, quantitative analyses of controlled substances and clandestine laboratory field investigations.

In the summer of 1998, the Southern Forensic Laboratory moved from the NMSU campus to its current location, in the Southwest Border HIDTA complex. The new laboratory features state-of-the-art security and instrumentation, large examination areas, photographic darkrooms, and individual offices for each member of the technical staff.

As part of its commitment to community service, the DPS Southern Forensic Laboratory has become a participant in the Las Cruces Public School’s EXCEL program. This program provides “real life” work experience for area high school seniors.

The Southern Forensic Laboratory has eight authorized positions; forensic scientists, support and administrative staff. The DPS Southern Forensic Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) in the fields of controlled substance analyses, latent fingerprint examinations, and fire debris analyses. Accreditation is a voluntary program in which the laboratory demonstrates adherence to established quality standards.