The Analytical/Chemistry Unit is staffed by four full-time civilian Forensic Chemists. Their primary role is to perform analysis of unknown substances for purity, quantity and identification. In cooperation with the Metropolitan State College of Denver, Chemistry Department, we sponsor a internship program. They also conduct analysis of explosive and arson evidence.

The DNA Unit is staffed by three full-time civilian Forensic Chemists. Their primary duty is the comparative analysis of molecular genetic and biological materials to include blood, saliva, semen, skin tissue and hair root. Techniques utilized are Polymer-race Chain Reaction (PCR) Standards for DNA. Currently, we are using Short Tandem Repeats (STR) technologies. See the Denver DA’s website for further information. Through a grant from the US Department of Justice the Crime Lab has received funding to process evidence from the old “No Suspect Casework”. This will involve processing evidence from approximately 700 old cases that might contain DNA evidence. The analysis will be completed and entered into a national database. It is estimated that this will result in the clearance of 25% of these old cases. The grant is a two year project. It is providing funding for two contract employees to process the evidence and, purchasing additional instrumentation used in the analysis of the DNA evidence. The grant amount for 2004 is approximately $425,000.00.

The Trace Evidence Unit is staffed by three full-time civilian Forensic Chemists. Their role is the comparative analysis of inorganic substances to include hair shafts, fibers, soils, paint, glass, explosive residue and gun shot residue. They also conduct analysis of human blood for the percentage of ethanol, and gunshot residue analysis using a scanning electron microscope.

The Firearms Unit is staffed by three full-time sworn Firearms Examiners. They do test firing of all weapons that come to the Denver Police Department. They conduct examinations and comparisons of bullets recovered at crime scenes. They also conduct examination of toolmark evidence.

The Latent Prints Unit is staffed by three full-time sworn Examiners. They compare and analyze fingerprint evidence recovered at crime scenes with inked prints. They also conduct tire and shoe print examinations

The Photo Lab is staffed by three full-time civilian photographers. They process and print all crime scene photographs. They work with video surveillance tapes to assist other Bureau’s in identifying suspects. They are the staff photographers for the DPD.