With representation from Management, the Office of Crime Scene Response and every Technical Unit within the Chemistry, Criminalistics, and DNA Sections of the Division of Forensic Sciences (DFS), the primary function of the Quality Assurance Bureau (QAB) is the commitment to the DFS mission, vision, and the following quality statement.

Division of Forensic Sciences Quality Statement

To achieve and maintain accreditation under the international standard “General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories” (ISO/IEC 17025), a forensic science accrediting body's supplemental requirements, and all other statutory, regulatory standards required to provide forensic services, and to use and support technically sound standards and guidelines of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) registry as applicable.

Quality Support Goals

The QB works to uphold goals within the system of quality established by the DFS to:

     -Provide high quality error-free forensic analysis which is able to withstand rigorous challenges;

     -Provide impartial reporting of scientifically accepted forensic analyses;

     -Maintain the integrity of submitted evidence by protecting it from loss, deterioration, and contamination;

     -Provide timely forensic services to the criminal justice system in the State of Wisconsin;

     -Ensure DFS employees are trained in the skills necessary to perform their work;

     -Ensure continual improvement of the quality system;

     -Fulfill the DFS quality statement.

Accreditation

Pursuant to the DFS Quality Statement ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Forensic Accreditation through ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is maintained. See Accreditation Certificate and Scope of Accreditation.

Accreditation is a voluntary program which ensures that the laboratory provides effective and quality service.   Further, it means that the laboratory is operating under accepted guidelines that are practiced internationally and routinely, and are vigorously reviewed.

Documents

Accreditation Certificate

Scope of Accreditation

Contact Information

For questions regarding laboratory Quality, refer to the contact information for the lab in your service area.