The west virginia state police forensic laboratory (WVSPFL) is the only full-service, ansi national accreditation board (ANAB) accredited laboratory in west virginia

This $312,708 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.742 - Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program) is intended to support the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory (WVSPFL), the only ANSI-accredited forensic lab in the state. The funding will be used to provide continuing education and training for the lab's 67 full-time forensic scientists, technicians, and specialists. It will also support efforts to archive historic paper case files and acquire necessary equipment to enhance the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of forensic testing services provided to over 800 law enforcement jurisdictions across West Virginia. The goal is to ensure the WVSPFL generates timely and impartial scientific examinations and expert opinions to support the state's criminal justice system and public safety. A $188,025 sub-award to the West Virginia State Police will enable the lab to further improve the quality of its services through specialized training and equipment upgrades.

The laboratory is responsible for analyzing evidentiary material associated with criminal investigations for all law enforcement (as many as eight hundred jurisdictions), including federal agencies; services are provided free of charge. The laboratory serves a population base of approximately 1.8 million people. The WVSPFL is composed of seven specialized, accredited sections: trace evidence, seized drugs, toxicology, biology, firearm/toolmark, latent prints and breath alcohol. In addition, the laboratory has a central evidence receiving section for receipt and storage of items of evidence along with two units working toward accreditation: crime scene response, and digital forensics. The laboratorys full-time staff of sixty-seven includes forensic scientists, forensic technicians, evidence custodians, crime scene specialists, administrative assistants, a quality assurance manager, an assistant director, and a laboratory director. The laboratory receives over 10,000 case requests each year (including those units working toward accreditation). In accordance with the laboratorys mission statement to provide accurate and impartial forensic services to all criminal just agencies operating in west virginia, this project is designed to provide continuing education and certification to scientists within the forensic laboratory, archive historic paper casefiles, and provide necessary equipment to scientists and technicians to perform forensic testing. The goal is to generate accurate, impartial, and timely scientific examinations and opinions for the criminal justice system of the state in the interest of public safety. This is accomplished by providing scientists with educational opportunities that include innovative technologies, equipment, and efficiency measures and purchasing and utilizing equipment and tools that will improve quality and efficiency in our laboratory.