BCI Laboratory Division

The laboratory's forensic scientists examine items recovered as evidence from crime scenes. Polygraph examiners conduct tests on various people related to specific investigations. The forensic scientists and examiners also provide expert testimony on their reported findings to help solve criminal cases. The Laboratory Division is nationally accredited through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board. The division consists of the following units:

• The Chemistry Unit examines physical evidence, including drug substances, that can link a suspect or material to a crime scene through chemical analysis.
   
• The Forensic Biology Unit studies evidence such as body fluids as a possible source for any subsequently identified DNA.
   
• The DNA Unit analyzes DNA to help identify suspects, providing a valuable tool for the justice system to convict or prove innocence. Results of the analysis can be compared to suspects, victims and records in the CODIS database (see below).
  
  
• Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), part of the FBI's National DNA Index System, is a database that contains digital profiles of DNA from crime scenes and convicted felons. Through the database, DNA profiles from convicted offenders can be linked to evidence from unsolved or serial crimes.
   
• The Firearms and Toolmarks Unit inspects ballistics and toolmarks to identify the gun from which a bullet was fired or to link a unique tool to a crime scene. BCI is part of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, a computer-assisted ballistics imaging system used by firearms examiners to obtain computerized images of the unique marks made on cartridges and certain bullets.
   
• The Latent Print Unit analyzes evidence through various physical, chemical and electronic processes to identify fingerprints, palm prints and bare footprints. Identifiable prints are compared to either a known fingerprint card or through the Ohio Automated Fingerprint Identification System (see above).
   
• The Polygraph Unit uses computerized polygraph instruments to measure dishonesty based on test-takers’ physiological responses to questions about a case.
   
• The Questioned Documents Unit examines and compares questioned and known handwriting. The unit also performs quality assurance tests on instant lottery games for the Ohio Lottery Commission.
   
• The Trace Evidence Unit is responsible for examining trace evidence such as gunshot residue, footwear and tire impressions, vehicle lamps, animal hair, fiber, paint, glass and fracture matches. These materials can be compared with known samples to associate the suspect with the victim and/or crime scene.