Pinellas Forensic Lab recognized as one of the top in nation

The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory has been named one of the most effective forensic crime labs in the nation, according to a recent award announced by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD).

ASCLD named the County’s forensic lab among the top 14 in the nation with efficient service that speeds up court cases and supports criminal convictions and exonerations.

Pinellas was the only lab in Florida to receive the Society’s Foresight Maximus Award, which recognizes crime labs that perform above a 90 percent efficiency level as defined by speed and cost of service to the citizens. Only 14 laboratories gained this distinction out of 220 submissions nationwide. The laboratory also maintains accreditation to the highest levels to ensure that appropriate processes are in place to provide quality analysis. 

The Pinellas County Medical Examiner operates the lab, which is fully funded and supported by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. The lab provides forensic analysis in seized drugs, DNA, fire debris, and toxicology to the Pinellas County criminal justice community.  Additionally, the lab provides post-mortem toxicology analyses for the District Six Medical Examiners Office, serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties to assist in the determinations of cause and manner of death. For more information on the Pinellas lab, visit: forensics.pinellas.gov 

About ASCLD: ASCLD is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to promoting excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. Founded in 1974, the purpose of the organization is to foster professional interests, assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques, acquire, preserve, and disseminate forensic based information, maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors, and promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field