Our mission: To SEEK theTruth Through Commitment to Excellence in Forensic Science

Greg Thompson, Director of Forensic Services

The San Diego Sheriff's Regional Crime Laboratory provides forensic science services to over thirty law enforcement and criminal justice agencies -- including every city (other than the City of San Diego) in San Diego County, the District Attorney, state agencies, and Sheriff's detectives and field deputies, as well as to federal law enforcement upon request. The Laboratory's Crime Scene Investigation team responds to homicides and other serious crimes countywide. The jurisdiction encompasses 1.7 million people and 4200 square miles, including the Mexican international border, federal military installations, Indian lands, the Anza Borrego desert, and the Pacific Ocean.

Over 60 forensic professionals provide specialized analysis in Controlled Substance and Alcohol, DNA and Trace Evidence (including arson, explosives, fibers and paint), Latent Fingerprint Development and Comparison, Questioned Documents (including handwriting comparison), Firearms and Toolmarks.

At the close of 2003 the Laboratory became fully accredited by ASCLD/LAB--the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board. This means that the Laboratory's standards and practices meet the highest level of professionalism and that it maintains a regular program of Quality Assurance.

In 2004 the Laboratory created the first Cold Case Forensic Team that works closely with detectives to assist in the investigation of unsolved homicide and sexual assault cases.