The Forensic Biology Unit examines evidence for biological fluids and then analyzes biological samples from crime scene evidence and reference samples from known individuals.  The crime scene and known sample DNA profiles are compared to determine possible sources of the DNA. Crime scene sample profiles may be searched through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database for investigative leads.  Criminalists issue scientific reports on their findings which may provide statistics to assist in the interpretation of the results and testify in court, as necessary. Sources of DNA are biological fluids like blood, semen, saliva, and touch DNA.  Evidence analyzed includes bloodstains, sexual assault kits, underwear/clothing, weapons, hair roots, cigarette butts, steering wheel swabs, airbags, fingernails, etc.  Our case work is divided into three types:  Major crimes, Sexual Assault crimes and Property crimes.

The Forensic Alcohol Unit is responsible for detecting, quantifying, and interpreting blood and breath samples for alcohol. The blood alcohol unit provides accurate and reliable alcohol analysis to determine the concentration of alcohol in blood samples for DUI cases. Additionally, the breath alcohol program calibrates, maintains and trains all operators on all Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing (EBT) instruments used within San Bernardino County. The team provides scientifically sound expert testimony on the interpretation of alcohol levels and the resulting impairment as it relates to safely operating a motor vehicle.

The Controlled Substances Unit is responsible for analyzing unknown powders, pills, plant materials and liquids to determine if they contain a controlled substance, as defined by Federal and California laws. The unit uses a variety of techniques ranging from basic wet chemistry, such as thin layer chromatography to sophisticated instrumentation such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS).

The Trace Unit is responsible for examining evidentiary items that are observed and collected by laboratory staff at crime scenes and by outside agencies. The laboratory performs fire debris (arson) and gunshot residue (GSR) analysis.

Analysts in this unit perform examinations of bullets, cartridge cases, firearms, toolmarks, and tools. These examinations involve microscopic comparative analysis to determine if bullets and cartridge cases were fired from or cycled through a known firearm, or if a toolmark was made by a known tool. Other examinations may be performed, such as: firearm function testing, California Assault Weapon determination, and processing of duty weapons following an officer-involved shooting. In cases where no suspect gun has been recovered, a fired bullet’s general rifling characteristics can be determined (caliber, number/width of lands and grooves, direction of rifling twist) and checked against a general rifling characteristics file, generating a list of firearms capable of firing that bullet. The Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) can be used to acquire images of a fired cartridge case or shotshell and search the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database for potential associations to other crimes; some international searches are also possible.

CSI unit members are on-call 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to homicides, lethal force encounters, and other major crime scenes anywhere in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Every year the CSI unit also responds to many requests for assistance with processing major crime scenes from other law enforcement agencies within and outside of San Bernardino County under mutual aid agreements. Members of the CSI unit provide crime scene field response, latent print processing, and serial number restoration.

Crime Scene Response – Crime scene management includes evidence identification, documentation, and collection of all types of evidence whether it is biological, trace, or physical. The following techniques can be used in the investigation of a crime scene: general and advanced crime scene photography (including time-exposure, macro, aerial, UV/IR, and ALS photography); latent bloodstain search, enhancement; and documentation; clandestine gravesite excavation; bloodstain pattern analysis; and gunshot trajectory analysis.

Latent Print Processing- Latent prints can be found on all types of evidence. Many different techniques are used to visualize latent prints including a variety of powders, chemicals, lighting, and photographic techniques.

Serial Number Restoration This unit also does restoration of obliterated serial numbers on firearms, vehicles, or other serialized items.

The Property and Evidence Unit is responsible for storing, maintaining and releasing, as well as the disposition of all evidence for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and outside agencies, such as, Police Departments, other County Sheriff’s agencies, Highway Patrol agencies, District Attorney’s offices, City and County Fire agencies, Railroad Police Departments, School Police, FBI agencies, and DOJ agencies.

The Technology Unit is responsible for the installation and training of mobile identification devices, iris/ mugshot capture cameras, supplying facial recognition, and providing the technical support for CAL-ID. Additionally, they continue to pursue the latest technological advances to enhance our efforts to solve crime. CAL-ID is often sought out to collaborate on pilot programs with the Department.

The Tenprint Unit is responsible for identifying subjects booked into jail, confirming the booking charges, and processing all AB109 commitments. Casework is related to identifying decedents, DMV cases, real estate fraud, and testifying in all 3 strike cases.

The Latent Unit is responsible for comparing latent prints from an unknown source, found at crime scenes to the prints of known subjects. This is done visually using various forms of magnification and may include the use of the multiple AFIS databases when no known subject information is available.