Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (CCRFSL):

The Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory is committed to providing the highest quality forensic services to the community and its customers by ensuring accuracy, completeness and timeliness in all the analyses conducted by the laboratory while maintaining the highest level of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.

The laboratory provides services in the areas of controlled substance examinations, DNA and body fluid identification, firearms testing, latent print examinations, toxicology testing and trace evidence examinations.

Customer Notifications:

By submitting evidence to the laboratory, the requester is agreeing to the following:

• The test method(s) selected for use by the laboratory, and to any deviation regarding the test method as deemed appropriate by the laboratory.
• The laboratory reserves the right to determine based upon existing policies, when the submitted items will not be examined as requested.
• The laboratory reserves the right to subcontract out any laboratory service, when necessary.

Extent of Database Searches:

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS):

Latent prints suitable for comparison may be searched in local, state or federal Next Generation Identification (NGI) databases. The database(s) searched is listed in Fingerprint reports. Additional database search may be conducted upon request. At this time, palm print impressions can only be searched in the state and local databases.

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS):

Qualifying DNA profiles are entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in accordance with state and national regulations, where regular searches are performed. Notification is issued if there is a hit in the database or if the profile is removed from CODIS.

National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN):

Test fired cartridge cases and crime scene fired cartridge cases are entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network for correlation with the regional database (Zone 5, the Ohio partition). An extended database search may be conducted upon request.

Disposition of Evidence Submitted by Outside Agencies:

DNA, Drug Chemistry, Fingerprints, Firearms and Trace Evidence:

Unless otherwise indicated on a laboratory report:

• The submitted items and any sub items (e.g. cuttings, swabs, hair, fibers etc.) created or collected from these items will be returned to the submitting agency.
• DNA extracts will be maintained by the laboratory at appropriate temperature.
• Test fired bullets and/or cartridge casings collected by the laboratory will retained by the laboratory.
  
  Toxicology Specimens:
  Unless otherwise requested, the specimens will be retained for one year by the laboratory prior to disposal.