Forensic laboratories across the country are under funded, operate in inadequate facilities, lack the latest analytical equipment, yet have an ever-increasing demand for services. Many lab directors and users feel gaining financial support for a new facility is a never ending battle; a battle they will never win.

BUILD YOUR CASE
As a lab director, you need to learn how to develop specific planning strategies and methodologies for building support and obtaining financial resources for your facility's needs. Meetings and workshops are a good way to start building a case for a new forensic laboratory. Networking in this way can:

• Facilitate learning from those in similar situations
• Brainstorm ways to improve work processes
• Assess the effectiveness of your existing laboratories
• Get a broader perspective of current issues and trends in forensic facilities
• Lay the foundation to build your case

These networking opportunities can help you build a case that fits your particular facility’s needs. Prior to developing strategies for solutions, it is essential that you take the necessary time to fully understand your agency’s political systems and the effects of new legislation on the lab. This will help you determine your position and build a stronger case for a new laboratory. At the meetings and workshops you attend, share specifics about your existing laboratory, operations, staffing, and funding. This will open up opportunities to relate similar situations of your peers. At workshop such as “Building a Case for a New Forensic Laboratory” offered by Crime Lab Design, the following tools are used to customize a case for your new laboratory:

• Needs assessment questionnaire
• Situational matrix
• Process mapping flow diagram
• Budget spreadsheet
• Milestone schedule
• Equipment matrix
• Chemical inventory
• Reference bibliography
• Case studies

FORENSIC LABORATORY TRENDS
It is important to look at forensic laboratory trends, like the effects of new scientific breakthroughs on forensic facilities. The rapid advancement in computer forensics and highly sophisticated instrument requirements can greatly impact the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection services provided within a facility. New legislation can determine how work is managed by chemist and biologist as opposed to sworn personnel. Examining case studies on partnering and teaming with academic institutions or across jurisdictions can help you grasp the possible opportunities and see the many different faces in the forensic industry.