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Criminals beware: law enforcement in Westchester now has a powerful new crime fighting tool: an improved forensic lab that can analyze evidence more quickly and establish identity through DNA with the smallest of samples.

"With these improvements our labs become part of an exclusive club. Only 33 in the nation are accredited to conduct these kinds of sophisticated tests,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “A smudged fingerprint that was previously unusable can now yield DNA evidence that can positively identify a suspect. This will help us catch criminals more quickly and better protect the public.’’

 Spano was talking about new lab facilities at the Westchester County Department of Labs and Research. Spano and District Attorney Janet DiFiore and county legislators toured the new facilities at 10 Dana Road in Valhalla on July 12.

Using $8 million in county capital funds and a $1 million state grant, the county expanded the lab and purchased more sophisticated equipment and computers. As a result, key evidence can be processed more quickly, allowing investigators to focus their cases early on when the chances of solving them are greater.  

“DNA evidence has become an integral part in the prosecution of criminal cases,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore. “The ability to conduct more sophisticated tests and get the results quickly enhances the whole criminal justice process.  As law enforcement evolves to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, technological innovations and advancements such as state of the art DNA testing will assure Westchester residents that their safety and security are paramount.”   

County Legislator Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I-WF, Somers), who chairs the Legislature’s Budget & Appropriations Committee, said. “There is no better investment of taxpayer dollars than to improve and ensure the public’s safety. Innovative and vital projects such as this new DNA lab, coupled with the guidance of the County Executive and District Attorney, are why Westchester County continues to be a leader in public safety and crime fighting.”

The new expanded lab and new equipment will also perform a wider variety of DNA analysis. The lab had conducted nuclear DNA analysis, but now it will also be able to conduct mitochondrial analysis, which enables a more refined DNA analysis of hair, teeth and skeletal remains, among other evidence. The expanded lab will also be able to more effectively conduct DNA tests on tiny specimens once considered too small for analysis. Small amounts of skin cells on weapons or keyboards can also be examined now.

Another improvement to the facility is the forensic garage, which has been in use since 1989. By enlarging its doors, the garage can now accommodate vehicles larger than a van. Being able to examine large vehicles indoors and in a place where sophisticated equipment is present improves the ability to recover key evidence from both the interior and exterior of vehicles.

A new computer system reduces the amount of time it takes to log and bring in evidence to the lab. The new system will allow investigators to input certain data right from their offices, saving visits to the lab.

The Westchester forensics lab was the 14th in the United States to receive an international accreditation, which is based on higher and more rigorous standards. Only 33 of more than 400 forensic labs in the US currently have this accreditation.