Forensic Advantage™ Enables North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to Receive the Industry’s First Paperless-based Accreditation from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Accreditation Board

Midlothian, VA - June 29, 2009 - Forensic Advantage™ Systems, the global provider of laboratory information management systems enables NCSBI forensics labs to streamline operations and obtain ASCLD/LAB accreditation

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) has officially accredited North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s (NCSBI) Lab. The facility received the industry’s first paperless accreditation based on their use of the Forensic Advantage™ Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

“Paperless accreditation is not something that is easily achieved. This rigorous process requires a baseline technology that supports every aspect of a laboratory’s operation,” said Troy Hamlin, SBI’s Crime Laboratory Deputy Assistant Director. “Forensic labs are likely to want this recognition now as much as ever because the cost recovery is quantifiable and the accreditation is achievable by deploying useful technologies.”

“Lowering operational costs while improving the ability to handle evidence, conduct analysis and deliver reports laboratory-wide is paramount for all agencies that are interested in achieving excellence while avoiding the possibility of flawed examinations or evidence uncertainty when working towards criminal convictions,” stated Dr. Peter Natale, vice president of Forensic Advantage™ Systems.

The combination of world class technology deployed in one of the most progressive labs defines a benchmark case for all forensic, medial and digital examiners that are looking to achieve a high degree of efficiency and accuracy as well as accreditation.

About North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

The State Bureau of Investigation is a division of the Department of Justice under the direction of Attorney General Roy Cooper. The SBI assists local law enforcement with criminal investigations. They work closely with local police and Sheriffs, district attorneys, federal investigators, and federal prosecutors. The SBI has statewide jurisdiction and investigates homicides, robberies, property crimes, and other serious cases. Involvement is at the request of the local department that maintains original jurisdiction over the case. The SBI has original jurisdiction in these areas:

·         Drug Investigations

·         Arson Investigations

·         Election Law Violations

·         Child Sexual Abuse in Day Care Centers

·         Theft and Misuse of State Property

·         Computer Crime Investigations that Involve Crimes Against Children

The SBI headquarters is located in Wake County, with field agents located in eight districts across North Carolina. Specialized investigators in financial crimes, computer crimes, Medicaid fraud, and other disciplines are located around the state. The SBI Crime Lab is located in Raleigh, with a Western Regional Lab in Asheville and a Triad Regional Lab in Greensboro. 

About ASCLD/LAB

The Crime Laboratory Accreditation Programs of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) are voluntary programs in which any crime laboratory may participate to demonstrate that its management, personnel, operational and technical procedures, equipment and physical facilities meet established standards. The programs are managed by a paid staff which works under the direction of a Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors are elected by the Delegate Assembly. The Delegate Assembly is composed of the directors of all accredited laboratories and laboratory systems. The ASCLD/LAB Bylaws establish the authority and responsibilities of the Board, the Delegate Assembly and the staff. Accreditation is one part of a laboratory's quality assurance program which should also include proficiency testing, continuing education, and other programs to help the laboratory provide better overall service to the criminal justice system.

About Forensic Advantage™ Systems
Forensic Advantage™ Systems is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and a leader in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), delivering technology to the marketplace since 2002 and enjoys a large and growing installed base among law enforcement, medical examiners and digital forensic laboratories. The Forensic Advantage technology platform was created to address the unique needs of forensic laboratories that recognize the benefits of conducting their collection and case management activities electronically. The Forensic Advantage Suite delivers the ability to improve Case and Evidence, DNA and DUI data management while leveraging the Microsoft Office platform. The application improves individual productivity by enabling forensic examiners to focus on delivering timely, accurate results.
 
Forensic Advantage™ Systems
1525 Huguenot Road
Midlothian, Virginia 23113
Phone: (800) 662-0976
Fax: (804) 794-6194
www.ForensicAdvantageSystems.com

To learn more about Forensic Advantage please visit us at www.ForensicAdvantageSystems.com