After a lengthy assessment by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors’ Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has obtained new accreditations for its forensic facilities in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville.
For the first time, TBI’s facilities are now internationally accredited in Breath Alcohol Calibration and as a testing facility, TBI has upgraded its accreditation as a testing laboratory from “Legacy” to “International,” which now includes Crime Scene Processing. The upgrade signifies the highest-possible accreditation available to forensic laboratories and is the culmination of years of effort and planning on the part of TBI’s Forensic Services Division.
“These are no small accomplishments,” said Dan Royse, assistant director of Forensic Services. “They convey to the public a measure of assurance that the quality of work that we produce is second to none.”
The accreditation process involved a detailed application, followed by a thorough, impartial review of documentation, along with a comprehensive on-site evaluation of TBI personnel, facilities, and all aspects of the laboratory’s operations. All TBI laboratories were previously accredited in the disciplines of Drug Chemistry, Toxicology, and Biology. The Memphis Regional Crime Laboratory and Nashville Crime Laboratory also hold accreditation in Firearms Toolmarks. In addition, the Nashville Crime Laboratory also holds accreditation for Latent Prints and Trace Evidence.
“I’m proud of the accomplishments of the dedicated staff in our Forensic Services Division,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “These recognitions continue to demonstrate our commitment, as the state’s lead law enforcement agency, to accuracy in the testing of evidence and its role in furthering justice.”