| RI State
Crime Lab
The Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory, created by R.I.G.L. 12-1.2 and located at the
University of Rhode Island in the College of Pharmacy, serves the Rhode Island Law
enforcement community.
Annoucement
31st Annual NEAFS Meeting
November 8-13, 2005
The Hyatt Regency Newport
Newport, RI
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ANALYTICAL COMPARISONS PERFORMED BY LABORATORY PERSONNEL INCLUDE:
Arson Debris Analysis:
Presence and identification of petroleum based accelerants.
Firearms & Tool Mark Identification:
Comparison of microscopic impressions on various material including projectiles,
cartridges, wood, metal and a variety of other objects to identify the commonalty between
them and confirm the source of the impressions, given a suspected weapon, tool or other
impression material. Confirm the functionality of a suspect weapon or to provide a list of
possible weapon type and caliber if a weapon is not recovered. Fracture pattern match and
foot wear impression analysis.
Serological Analysis:
Identification of biological fluids: blood, seminal fluid and saliva. Identification of
species origin: human, deer, dog, cat and bovine. Grouping of human blood in the ABO
system.
Blood Alcohol:
Calculation of Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BAC) for criminal proceedings involving
DWI cases. Calculations are based on information known about the subject's weight; when
and what they drank prior to the DWI stop; the time and result of any BAC tests performed.
Trace Comparisons:
Comparison of hair, fiber, paint, glass and soil to determine common origin and
possible source.
Training:
Scientific Criminal Investigation: A basic 24 week course in the examination,
documentation and collection of pertinent evidence from a crime scene. Laboratory
personnel also lecture at the Municipal Police Training Academy; the Breathalyzer Training
and DRE Programs, conducted by the Division of Drug Control; to URI students and
participate in public tours of the laboratory facility. Specialized workshops for advanced
training in the area of scientific investigations are conducted upon request or on an as
needed bases.
Expert Witness Testimony:
Laboratory personnel are available to provide expert testimony concerning results of
any of the analysis listed above.
Miscellaneous:
The Laboratory has available several special services:
- Polaroid Freeze Frame: Polaroid or 35mm prints from video tape.
- Mac-A-Mug: A computerized suspect identification kit.
- Scantron: An automated test scorning/scanning system.
- Darkroom: Develop and print 35mm black & white film (T-Max).
Consultant Services:
In addition to the services provided, the laboratory has various other experts
available through the University and law enforcement communities. These include:
mechanical and electrical engineers, botanists, geologists, chemists, fingerprint and
other technical specialists. |