Submitted by DESPP
(May 9, 2026) — The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Forensic Lab, operated by the Division of Scientific Services, has earned a nearly perfect score during recent accreditation inspections that evaluated more than a thousand criteria.
The inspections were part of two accreditation evaluations – the FBI Quality Assurance Standards inspection and the ANAB ISO Accreditation inspection. The lab achieved a perfect score for the FBI audit, while there was just one minor deficiency under the ANAB ISO audit, an evaluation by the largest multi-disciplinary accreditation agency in North America.
“Achieving a perfect FBI Quality Assurance audit and a near-perfect ANAB audit is an exceptional accomplishment,’’ said Dr. Guy Vallaro, director of the Division of Scientific Services. “This outcome reflects the dedication, attention to detail, and collaboration demonstrated by our lab employees.”
After its accreditation was suspended in 2011, when an audit revealed numerous deficiencies, the Connecticut State Forensic Lab has successfully worked to restore its reputation, earning high marks on accreditation while expanding its services to Connecticut.
Over the past decade, the lab has earned national recognition for the dramatic decrease in the time it takes to analyze evidence, providing law enforcement with fresh leads to solve crimes faster. Federal and state investigators turned to the Connecticut lab to analyze ballistics and DNA after the Brown University shooting last year.
The lab’s 100 employees pride themselves on “following the science,” providing accurate and unbiased information and scientific analysis quickly. The lab provides an extensive and independent analysis of evidence for local, state and federal agencies. This includes the testing of DNA evidence associated with sexual assaults and the analysis of seized drugs. Lab scientists also provide critical work analyzing ballistics evidence from violent crimes.
“This reflects the high standard the lab is setting not just for Connecticut, but the nation,” said DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “We have expanded our evidence kiosks across the state, providing round-the-clock access for processing of ballistics and DNA evidence. Our new mobile lab brings start-of-the-art evidence analysis to any community in Connecticut. Meanwhile, we are moving forward with new initiatives, such as forensic genealogy.”
