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

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.