Mexico Laboratory Directors Course
Architectural Design
of
Crime Laboratory
James Aguilar
J.A. Architecture & Consulting
Forensic - Architectural Design
Key Issues in designing a Crime Laboratory
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Unique laboratory type
Evidence protection
Chain-of-Custody
Contamination concerns
Safety issues
Biological hazards
Security (Internal & External)
Planning issues
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Evidence flow though lab
Accreditation
Space to allow program growth / flexibility
Future facility growth (Forensic program/technologies evolving)
• Robust & Dependable building systems
Forensic - Architectural Design
What makes a Crime Laboratory different
to other Laboratory types
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Evidence – One of A Kind
Regulatory issues (ASCLD)
Cross contamination concerns
Security requirements
Safety concerns
o Unknown products
• Layout space
o Evidence examination
o Crime scene re-enactments
• Separation of lab instrumentation
• MEP systems
Forensic - Architectural Design
Evidence – One of A Kind
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Tracking (Electronic)
Security
Chain-of-Custody
Receiving & Storage
Central storage vs. Satellite storage
o High-Density storage system
• Cross contamination
Forensic - Architectural Design
Cross Contamination Issues
• Evidence
• Staff
• HVAC systems
o Separate systems
– Between labs and office Areas
– Evidence storage rooms
– Drying rooms
• Bio-Vestibules to labs
Forensic - Architectural Design
Safety Issues
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Staff protection
Evidence –Unknown health issues
Air-borne pathogens
Potential explosive evidence
Chemical storage
Separate air systems for labs & offices
Forensic - Architectural Design
Security Issues
• Passive system
o Planning of site and building to minimize risk
• Electronic
o Surveillance cameras
o Card access system
o Intrusion detection system
• Physical
o External
– Exterior walls
– Site barriers
• Internal planning
Forensic - Architectural Design
Levels of Security - Internal
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Zone 1 - Public Lobby, Restrooms and Reception
Zone 2 - Semi-Public Circulation Zones
Zone 3 - Secured rooms - Laboratories
Zone 4 - High Security – Evidence & Narcotics
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Forensic - Architectural Design
Site Issues
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Controlled entry points
Adjacent to clients
Secured parking – Staff & Evidence contributors
Parking
o Visitors
o Evidence contributor
o Staff
o Crime laboratory vehicles
• Future expansion potential
• Blast zone clearance
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections
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Forensic Biology Lab (DNA functions
Fast growing section – New technology
evolution)
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Mitochondrial DNA Lab
technology evolving)
(New
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Low Copy DNA Lab
technology evolving)
(New
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CODIS
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Trace Evidence Lab
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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
room
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Arson Lab
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Firearms Lab / Firing Range
(Projectile recovery tank)
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Toolmarks
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Controlled Substances Lab
Latent Prints
Computer Forensics (Fast growing section –
New technology evolution)
Questioned Documents
Digital Imaging
Audio/Video/Photography
Vehicle Examination
Evidence Processing
Evidence Storage
Evidence examination/screening room
Instrumentation Room for
laboratory
equipment
Crime Scene Re-enactment Room – Multipurpose
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Forensic Biology
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One Way Travel
- examination > extraction > set-up > bio-vestibule > amplification > exit
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Distance separation of room
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Temperature sensitivity
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Contamination concerns
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Casework mobility
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Refrigerated evidence
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Dedicated functions – reagent prep, janitors closets, examination rooms
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Examination rooms – separate victim and suspect
Mitochondrial DNA (New technology - evolving)
o Bio-Vestibule: Inter-locking doors
o One Way Travel
o Distance separation
o Temperature sensitivity
o Contamination concerns
o Casework mobility
o Biological safety cabinet – bone grinding
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Low Copy DNA (New technology - evolving)
o Bio-Vestibule: Inter-locking doors
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Trace Evidence Lab
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Mobile tables – evidence could be large items
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Individual U-shaped workstations
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Deep countertop depth 36”
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Shared countertop space
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Instrumentation room
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Microscopy room – vibration sensitivity & light control
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Low air flow and air distribution locations
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Adjustable task exhaust/lighting
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Lighting – multi-level and natural lighting
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) room
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Vibration & temperature sensitivity
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Avoid electromagnetic radiation – possible shielding
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Temperature & humidity control
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Utility closet – pumps
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Liquid nitrogen delivery
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Vehicle Examination
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Clear overhead clearance 12-14 feet plus
Clear space around vehicles
Separate bays for multiple vehicles
Vehicle lift types – Mobile or fixed
Lighting – Multi-level switching & adjustable
Multi-purpose spaces – large space for large evidence items
Exhaust hose with articulating arms
100% exhaust
Fixed durable casework – Tool storage
Hose reels – air, water, electrical etc.
Crime Scene Equipment Storage
o Equipment lockers
o Shower/Restroom nearby
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Drying Rooms
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Adjacent to Vehicle Examination, Evidence intake & Crime Scene Vehicle parking
Decomtaminable finishes – harsh cleaning fluids
Exhaust for odors – High & Low exhaust registers
Bug screens and gasketing
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Firearms Laboratory
o Individual U-Shaped workstations
o Darkenable workstations
Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
o Microscope tables – vertically adjustable & vibration sensitive
o Lighting - Multi-level switching
o Reference gun collection storage room
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Size to accommodate future growth
o Ammunition storage
o NIBIN Unit
o International Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) room
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Firing Range
o Distance Range – Length based upon type of weapons
o Concrete walls and ceiling – Design to test weapon types
o Air flow away from firing line – 75 fpm @ firing line
o 100% exhaust – lead particles – HEPA filtration
Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Toxicology Lab
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Linear casework layout
Separate from drug laboratory
Fume hoods
Instrumentation room – Not shared with drug lab
Drug standards storage vault
Balance room or counter space
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Vibration sensitive
o Sample receiving area
o Coroner toxicology analysis – separate room - odors
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Blood / Breath Alcohol Lab
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Linear casework layout
Instrument repair bench
Sample receiving area
Task exhaust /lighting
Fume hoods
Instrumentation benches
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Linear casework layout
o Calibration room for instruments
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Storage for instruments , parts and tools
Linear casework layout
Mobile tables and carts
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Controlled Substances Lab
o Individual U-Shaped workstations
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Locking storage cabinets
o Shared countertop space
o Vibration sensitive area
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Marble table - balances
o Task exhaust/lighting
o Low flow countertop fume extractor
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Fine dust particles
Secured reference drugs standards storage room
Dedicated instrumentation room
Reagent prep room – shared
Explosion fume hoods & refrigerator/freezers
Chemical storage cabinet
Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Latent Prints
o Individual U-Shaped workstations
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Dusting stations – fume hood
o Mobile tables
o Space for large items
o Chemical Processing Lab
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Superglue cabinets
Dye staining sink
o Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
o Alternate light source room
o Laser room
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Computer Forensics
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Non-Laboratory space
Individual U-Shaped digital workstations
Anti-static finishes
Sensitive information under review
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No direct outside observation
Visitor warning system
o Multiple electrical and data outlets
o Clean room – Evidence hard drive recovery
o Computer evidence storage room
Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Questioned Documents
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Digital Imaging
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Non-Laboratory space
Perimeter casework
Mobile tables
Light table
Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting
Chemical processing room – Fume hood
Non-Laboratory space
Perimeter casework
Mobile tables
Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting
Audio/Video/Photography
o Non-Laboratory space
o Mobile tables
o Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Evidence Intake/Processing
o Evidence exchange counters
o Adjacent to exterior access
o Evidence contributor lobby and separate triage room
o Security camera monitoring
o Off hours evidence drop-off lockers
o Mobile casework – flexible arrangements
o Areas for logging in and processing evidence
o Distribution method to staff
o Hazardous Evidence Processing laboratory
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Suspect evidence
Evidence shipping area
Evidence Storage
o Secured rooms – full height walls and hard ceilings
o Various evidence storage vaults/rooms
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Dry storage
- Valuables
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Biological
- Chemical – Clan Lab & Arson
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Weapons
- Refrigerated
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Narcotics
- Outgoing evidence
o Main evidence storage complex –vs.- satellite evidence storage rooms
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations
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Evidence Examination/Screening Room
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Shared or dedicated
Mobile tables
Perimeter fixed casework / storage cabinets
Fume hood or Biological safety cabinet
Oversized entry doors
Lighting - Multi-level switching and adjustable
Overhead racks – adjustable
Low velocity air flow
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Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
Plan placement of registers
o High & low exhaust registers
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Instrumentation Room for Laboratory Equipment
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Control heat source
Minimize services (electrical & gases) – cost saving
Control noise level in laboratory space
Maintenance service access to back of instrument
Crime Scene Re-enactment Room – Multi-purpose
o Clear floor area
o Cleanable walls and ceilings
Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Planning Issues
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Adjacencies
Relationships
Future growth
Structural column spacing
Evidence security
Evidence flow
Evidence & Secured file storage systems
o High Density storage systems
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Evidence delivery
o Entry point
o Hours of operation
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Contamination
Regional caseload types
•Refrigeration & Freezers
oWalk-in units verse Stand alone
oTemperature monitoring and alarming
•Biological hazards
oUnknown evidence
oClandestine drugs
•Bodily fluids
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Planning Issues
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Casework Layout
• Understand function of lab section to determine which casework type(s)
are suitable
• Laboratory function (Generalist -vs.- Specialized)
• Linear layout -vs.- U-Shaped layout
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Circulation path impact
Air flow due to circulation
Contamination concerns
Fine particle disturbance
• Standing -vs.- Sitting height
• Fixed and/or Adjustable
• Accommodate future growth
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Casework Types
• Need to understand function of lab section to
determine which casework type is suitable
o Wood Casework
o Metal casework
o Plastic Laminate
o Stainless Steel
• Fixed Casework -vs.- Mobile Casework
• Adjustable Casework
• Mobile Tables (offer flexibility)
Forensic - Architectural Design
Laboratory Equipment
• Building System Coordination
o Point of use laboratory gas
o Chemical fume hoods
generators
o Biological safety cabinets
o Autoclave
o Overhead track systems
o Laboratory glasswasher
o Low flow countertop exhaust
o Water polishing unit –
cabinets
Type 1 point of use
o Task Exhaust – point of use
o Horizontal projectile rec. tank
o Vehicle examination lift
o Stand alone refrigerators & freezers o Bullet trap
o Owner provided/installed
o Walk-in cold boxes
laboratory equipment
o High-density file storage systems
Forensic - Architectural Design
Finishes
• Understand function of laboratory section to
determine which type(s) are suitable:
o Durable
o De-contaminable
o Cleanable
o Chemical resistances
o Laboratory grade products
o Epoxy finishes
o Non-particulate & non-dusting
o Secure / Attack resistant
o Cost
Forensic - Architectural Design
Mechanical Issues
• Temperature control / Sensitivity
o DNA Sections
o SEM
• Air Supply
o Low flow
o Avoid placement of air supply
diffusers over evidence
examination areas
• Fume hood exhaust – Separate from
building exhaust system
o Odors
o Volatile fumes
• Exhaust systems
o Labs: avoid plenum return system –
odors & contamination
o Task exhaust – point of use
• Pressurization (Bio Vestibule)
o 100% Exhaust –vs.- Recirculation
• Zoning of each laboratory unit
- Laboratory suites and
Evidence - 100% exhaust
o Services
o Control
- Office – recirculation
o High & low exhaust
Forensic - Architectural Design
Electrical Issues
• Standard power
• Emergency power
• Power distribution
o Electrical Raceway – Flexibility
o Different power distribution at:
– Laboratory spaces
– Instrumentation rooms
– Offices
• Uninterruptible Power Systems
• Clean Power – Harmonic
Distortion
• Data / Communications Systems
• Lighting systems
o Exterior and Interior
o Lighting levels –
Laboratory
spaces -vs.evidence
examination
o Fixture types
o Multi-level switching
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Task lighting
Grounding system
Fire Alarm System
Paging & Public address systems
Forensic - Architectural Design
Plumbing
• Water systems
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Industrial
Domestic
Ultra Pure (Type I – IV)
Deionized Water
R.O. Water
• Disposal systems
o Lab waste
o Chemical
o Floor drains
• Emergency Showers / Eyewash
Units
• Vacuum system
• Lab Gases
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Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Helium
Purge Gas
Zero Air
• Lab Gas distribution system
o House system
o Point-of-use generators
o Cylinders
• Fire Protection systems
o Wet pipe
o Dry pipe (Pre-Action systems)
Forensic - Architectural Design
Design Process
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Needs Assessment
Facility Assessment
Programming
Conceptual Design
Documentation (Schematic Design, Design
Development & Contract Documents)
Bidding
Construction
Commissioning (Not just building systems, but
include forensic equipment and systems)
Close-out
Forensic - Architectural Design
Future Trends in Forensic Investigation
• Forensic lab buildings need to be designed with the ability to expand
o Internally
o Externally
• Increasing automation in certain lab procedures
o Robotics
o Future DNA Analysis - Chip DNA
• Emergence of digital evidence as a new lab section
o Computer Forensics
o Cell Phone Digital Data
o Video Surveillance Data
Forensic - Architectural Design
Conclusion - Key Issues in designing a forensic facility
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Unique laboratory type
Evidence protection
Chain of Custody
Contamination concerns
Safety issues
Biological hazards
Security (Internal & External)
Planning issues
o Evidence flow though lab
o Accreditation
o Space to allow program growth / flexibility
o Future facility growth (Forensic program/technologies evolving)
• Robust & Dependable Building Systems
Forensic - Architectural Design
Questions
James Aguilar
J.A. Architecture & Consulting