Forensic Science Division

Renee Romero, Lab Director
Main Phone: (775) 328-2800

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division provides forensic services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in 14 of the 17 Nevada counties encompassing over 80 agencies.  The Division is a full-service forensic laboratory staffed by more than 40 individuals in sworn and civilian capacities. The staff members receive continuing education through training programs, seminars and conferences. The equipment in the laboratory is updated as needed to provide state-of-the-art services to the users. The Division is funded by monies from Washoe County, the user agencies, and grants.

The Forensic Science Division is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), an independent organization that establishes minimum operating standards and monitors compliance with these standards. The Washoe County Laboratory was established in the mid 1970s and has been accredited since 1994.

The Division provides investigative support with a full service crime scene unit as described in the Forensic Investigation Section (FIS). The scientific disciplines range from DNA, Toxicology, Controlled Substances, and Firearms to limited trace evidence analysis. The Breath Alcohol Section provides support for the Breath Alcohol instruments across Northern Nevada. The Evidence Section houses all of Washoe County evidence as well as Forensic Science Division Evidence.

Forensic Science Guidebook

This guidebook is intended to be used as a guide to help you decide which services will most benefit your investigation and to assist with the actual submission of your evidence into the FSD.  It includes information regarding the proper packaging of items to be submitted for processing, the completion of the necessary paperwork, the policies regarding the submission of items to the Evidence Section, and the services available from Criminalists and the Forensic Investigation Section (FIS).  We have provided a link to the Guidebook for your convenience.    Guidebook

Citizen Inquiries 

We receive numerous inquiries from citizens asking about career opportunities in the field of forensic science, job openings, lab tours and the availability of internships.   For your convenience and information, we have listed the most frequently asked questions and provided the answers.  Click here to view Questions and Answers.

Forensic Science Fee Schedule

The Forensic Science Division contracts with agencies for services.  Please click here: Fee Schedule to view the fees charged for services. 

To order copies of photographs, click on the name of the respective form and following the instructions for submission.

Photo Request E-Form (Law Enforcement and District Attorneys)                 

Photo Request E-Form (Contract Option A)

Photo Request E-Form (Private)