Forensic Biology Sections

Our Crime Scene Response Unit provides technical support to law enforcement at many types of crime scenes. Personnel are available to respond 24/7, 365 days per year. They investigate evidence including but not limited to:

• Blood

• Semen

• Hairs

• Fibers

• Gunshot residues

We provide statewide service divided into 3 regions. During business hours, you can make requests to the numbers below:

• Northern Region (Danvers): 978-538-6046

• Western Region (Springfield): 413-205-1810

• Southern Region (Lakeville): 508-946-1110

• Main Laboratory (Maynard): 978-451-3500

If you're after hours, you can make requests to the Regional Massachusetts State Police Troop Headquarters. 

Our Criminalistics Section analyzes physical and biological evidence submitted to the Crime Laboratory. We may also testify to the significance of this evidence in trial. We perform presumptive testing for the presence of:

• Blood

• Semen

• Saliva

• Urine

• Feces

We perform confirmatory testing for:

• Blood

• Semen

We perform chemical testing for:

• Gunshot residues

• Distance determination

We also classify hair and fiber evidence.

Our DNA Unit analyzes forensic samples associated with a criminal investigation. Samples may include:

• Blood

• Semen

• Saliva

• Hairs

We also process known DNA samples from suspects and victims associated with the case. DNA profiles may be entered into the state and national DNA database (CODIS).

We compare DNA profiles and forensic samples to potential suspects or victims to find biological matches. Our DNA analysts:

• Perform statistical analysis

• Make written reports of their findings

• Testify in court as necessary

We also work with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS) to test samples related to:

• Missing persons

• Unidentified human remains

CODIS (or Combined DNA Index System) is the state and national database for DNA samples. If you were convicted of a felony after February 10, 2004, you must submit a DNA sample to the database. There are also a number of other convictions prior to February 10, 2004 that require DNA samples.

After an offender's identity and relevant criminal history is verified, our DNA Unit tests their DNA sample. The unit then enters their profile into the state and national database.

The Trace/Arson and Explosives Unit examines and compares many types of evidence to find possible sources of evidence.

Trace analysis examination includes but is not limited to:

• Hairs

• Fibers

• Glass

• Polymers

• Physical match examinations

• Restoration of serial numbers on firearms

Our Criminalistics Unit may first examine these materials, and then forward them to our unit.

Arson and explosives analysis includes:

• Identifying ignitable liquid evidence from a suspicious fire

• Identifying explosives or explosive residues from a bombing scene

• Reconstructing components of bombing devices

• Testing samples for gunshot primer residues

State, local and federal authorities may recover these materials and submit them to our unit for analysis.