Credit: Connecticut Division of Scientific Services
A mobile forensic lab from Connecticut’s DESPP Division of Scientific Services is bringing advanced technology to local police departments in the state, providing law enforcement with rapid processing of evidence.
The forensic van includes advanced ballistics testing, Rapid DNA, and Graykey digital forensic technology that helps police access cell phones. The forensic van, currently at the New Britain Police Department, provided critical ballistics analysis in Rhode Island and Massachusetts after the Brown University shootings last year.
“This help police solve crimes faster. We are providing more information and more resources for our partners in law enforcement. It is this type of collaboration that helps to make Connecticut one of the safest states in the land,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner Ronnell Higgins. “We look forward to bringing this new resource to communities across Connecticut.”
Rapid testing of ballistics from crime scene evidence is a top priority the lab. When precise images are entered into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, known as NIBIN, law enforcement investigators are able to quickly compare data from thousands of crime scenes, generating new leads for investigators. Local police departments are required by law to submit crime scene evidence to NIBIN.
The van’s Rapid DNA technology strengthens the lab’s ability to assist with urgent investigations by helping generate DNA leads in a matter of hours as opposed to weeks or months. Evidence is analyzed at the crime scene, allowing investigators to quickly identify or rule out an individual.
“This unit represents a major step forward in modern policing, bringing cutting-edge forensic capabilities directly into our neighborhoods. As one of the most advanced mobile forensic units in the country it will help our police solve crimes more quickly, strengthen investigations, and respond more effectively to serious incidents.” “This is what strong collaboration between state and local government looks like, and it will make a real difference in keeping our residents safe,” said New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez.
“The mobile forensic lab gives local departments like ours faster access to advanced investigative tools that can make a real difference in active cases,” said New Britain Police Chief Matthew Marino. “Having rapid DNA analysis and advanced ballistics capabilities available in the field allows our investigators to develop leads more quickly, process critical evidence efficiently, and strengthen casework in the earliest stages of an investigation. Ultimately, this investment will improve our ability to deliver timely results and better serve victims, families, and the community.”
The van is part of an initiative to make lab resources available around the clock. For example, a system of kiosks at seven locations allows investigators to receive rapid leads after entering evidence, including shell casings from crime scenes, into NIBIN, a database containing thousands of digital images.
“We are trying to reduce gun crimes by using NIBIN, which gives you leads to other crimes that are associated with the same gun. It gives you the story of the gun,” said Lucinda LopesPhelan, Deputy Director of Identification with the forensic lab.
Republished courtesy of State of Connecticut