The History of the Columbus Police Crime Laboratory
In 1945, Lloyd Shupe was hired as the first Police Chemist for the Columbus Police Department. Mr. Shupe became widely respected for his research in alcohol analysis techniques used in impaired driving investigations. Mr. Shupe also responded to crime scenes and performed other forensic analyses as necessary to support the investigation of crimes. The laboratory eventually settled into space at the old Police Headquarters at 77 North Front Street.
In 1975, the crime laboratory's six employees moved into a 6000 square foot facility located above the Franklin County Coroner's Office at 520 King Avenue. The City signed a lease with Franklin County for the space that was expected to adequately house the laboratory for 40 years. The laboratory performed analysis in serology, alcohol, drug identification, toxicology, firearms, trace evidence, latent print processing, and questioned documents. The number of staff and services offered remained steady until 1989, when the laboratory implemented DNA technology.
During the 1990's, rapid advances in forensic technology changed forensic analysis from a reactive support service to an active partner in investigations. In 1996, the laboratory obtained Drugfire, the predecessor to the current National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
In 2001, the Columbus Police Crime Laboratory gained access to the Federal Bureau of Investigations' Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). CODIS made it possible to identify suspects through the use of biological material left at crime scenes.
In 1999, the laboratory achieved accreditation in forensic science testing through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). In 2005, the laboratory earned accreditation to ISO 17025 standards.
On April 17, 2015, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the $11 million, 35,000 square foot Forensic Services Center at 770 East Woodrow Avenue. The crime laboratory now has an authorized strength of over forty civilian staff members performing analysis in DNA, drug identification, firearms, latent print processing, and latent print comparison.
