Laboratory Section
Main Phone: 328-2800

The Laboratory Section is one of only two accredited crime laboratories in the state of Nevada. The Laboratory Section provides forensic services to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in 14 of the 17 Nevada counties encompassing over 65 agencies. 

The Laboratory Section is staffed by more than 30 individuals in sworn and civilian capacities. The staff members receive continuous training to stay abreast of the evolving technologies and issues in forensic science. 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, law enforcement agencies, and grants.

The Division provides a variety of scientific services to law enforcement agencies. Services are provided from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Trace Evidence
The trace evidence section conducts limited examinations.  Many recovered trace evidence items can be compared with known materials to determine if they could share a common source. Shoe and tire impressions are examined and compared with suspect sources. Lamps are examined to determine if they were on or off when they were broken. Staff also examines plastics, dyes, and various types of chemical unknown substances. One of the most conclusive examinations performed is a physical match. When an item is broken or torn, the pieces, which are now separated and found in different locations, can sometimes be put back together resulting in the conclusion that they were once a single item. Fire debris is also analyzed to determine if an accelerant is present such as gasoline or lighter fluid.

Controlled Substance Unit
The Controlled Substance Unit specializes in the examination of solid dosage materials for the presence of controlled substances. A wide variety of materials are encountered containing many different compounds of interest. Samples submitted for examination include powders, liquids, plant material, paper, sugar cubes, and drug paraphernalia. Any material scheduled as a controlled substance or available as a prescription can be of interest depending on the case circumstances. Some cases submitted involve the manufacture of a controlled substance; thus, the identification of the controlled substance and the materials used to manufacture it are important elements in this type of examination. The unit analyzes more than 1,200 cases a year. The most common controlled substance encountered is methamphetamine, followed by cocaine, marijuana, and heroin.

Primary Examination Unit
This unit is responsible for examinations of items for the presence of body fluids, such as semen, blood, and saliva. Presumptive, confirmatory and species tests can be performed depending on the sample. If a body fluid is found, it is forwarded to the DNA Unit for further examination.

DNA Unit
The DNA Unit performs analysis on human biological material such as blood, semen, hair roots, saliva and tissue. This analysis can assist in identifying the source of the biological material and provides investigative leads in homicide, sexual assault, burglary and other cases where biological evidence is obtained.

This unit, with the assistance of the FBI, operates a statewide computerized DNA database of convicted offenders, forensic unknowns and missing persons. This database assists law enforcement in unsolved cases. The DNA profile from biological material left behind at a crime scene by a suspect can be searched against the state and national DNA databases. This may assist law enforcement in apprehending a suspect.

Firearms and Tool Marks Unit
Firearm examinations typically entail the comparison of marks left on expended bullets and casings to test fire rounds obtained from a suspected source firearm. This section also performs similar type examinations for tool marks such as those that may be encountered in burglary cases. Other examination areas include serial number restorations, shooting scene/trajectory reconstructions, firearm function and safety determinations, as well as gunshot residue examinations for distance determinations.

The Firearm and Tool Marks Unit operates two ballistics database computer systems, DRUGFIRE and IBIS. These systems provide investigative leads in linking firearms evidence from unsolved cases with test fire evidence.

Toxicology Section
The Toxicology Section performs examinations of biological fluids and tissues to detect and quantify drugs and poisons. Typical cases investigated by this section include driving under the influence involving alcohol and/or drugs, illegal use of controlled substances, drug-facilitated sexual assaults, and compliance testing.

Another important function of this section is the toxicological investigation of coroner cases. If drugs and/or poisons are detected and quantified in these cases, the Toxicology Section staff member will act as consultant to coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement personnel to aid in the interpretation of the analytical results.