Sheriff's department forensics lab receives international accreditation

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department Forensic Sciences Laboratory, led by Laboratory Manager Renee Artman, has been granted accreditation under a new international program managed by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/ LAB).

The accreditation applies to testing operations carried out in the laboratory, including DNA, firearms and toolmarks; microscopy and general chemical analysis; shoe print comparisons; tire track impressions; toxicology; post mortem toxicology; blood alcohol; and controlled substances.

In a separate action on June 21, ASCLD/LAB had accredited the Forensic Sciences Laboratory under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) with respect to its management of the breath alcohol instruments used throughout the county of Ventura.

Jeff Matson, commander of the Technical Services Bureau, said that the accreditation is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its staff members.

"The sheriff's laboratory has always provided the highest quality work to our law enforcement agencies, our community and the entire justice system," Artman said.

To obtain accreditation, the laboratory was inspected against more than 400 requirements by the ISO. In addition, the laboratory was inspected against ASCLD/LAB requirements and more than 100 requirements published by the FBI for DNA testing laboratories.

The onsite inspection occurred April 7 through 11 and covered both technical and management operations at the laboratory.

Accreditation was granted to the laboratory during the Aug. 2 ASCLD/LAB board meeting. A representative of ASCLD/LAB will present the accreditation certificates to Sheriff Bob Brooks at a ceremony in September.