D.C.’s forensic crime lab has been reaccredited after nearly three years of being unable to process evidence.
The lab has regained accreditation for its biology lab, which processes DNA, and the chemistry lab, which processes drugs for testing.
The National Accreditation Board is expected to make the announcement next week.
News4's Mark Segraves first broke the story on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday.
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In 2021, the lab found itself at the center of a criminal investigation after reports of errors in the lab's firearms and fingerprint sections, along with mismanagement and cover-ups.
It's unclear when the firearms unit could be accredited again.
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. issued a statement confirming the news on Tuesday and said work will begin to resolve “the significant CODIS backlog.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased that DFS has regained its ANAB accreditation in two forensic science units, a critical first step in rebuilding the lab,” the statement said. “We wholeheartedly agree with DFS’s decision to immediately begin work in the Forensic Biology Unit on resolving the significant CODIS backlog, which addresses an important public safety issue. Additionally, as an accredited lab, DFS will be able to hire essential experts and staff, enhance its quality assurance system, and further work towards ensuring its experts will be qualified for testing for criminal cases. We appreciate the commitment of DFS, under Dr. Diaz’s leadership, to transparency with our Office as DFS continues the rebuilding process. We believe that under his leadership DFS will take the additional steps that will be necessary for DFS personnel in these two forensic science units to be accepted by our courts as experts. Accreditation is an important mile marker in the journey towards having testifying experts again. We look forward to DFS completing the journey in the coming years, and we are prepared to provide whatever support we can in these efforts.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement Tuesday that the reaccreditation is a “critical step in supporting case closure.”
“I am pleased to announce that the Department of Forensic Sciences’ (DFS) application for reaccreditation of its Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry Units has been approved,” the mayor said. “Responsible for testing and analyzing biological substances, including DNA, controlled substances and drugs, these reaccredited units will support MPD investigations and will add to our existing network of outside labs as well as those accessible by the U.S. Attorney. We remain focused on reducing crime and that means ensuring all parts of our public safety and justice ecosystem are working at full capacity. Reaccreditation is a critical step in supporting case closure and affording us another tool to advance justice for victims. I want to especially acknowledge the dedication and experienced leadership of Dr. Diaz and the continued hard work of the DFS scientists and staff.”
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