TPD Forensic Services Division Earns International Accreditation

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Police Department on Tuesday announced that its Forensic Services Division has become the only first-responding agency in the state to earn international accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.

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Presented on Feb. 29, the accreditation requires the lab to be re-inspected every two years and is granted to organizations that demonstrate compliance with globally recognized management and examination principles.

The division was first created in 2021 as a way for forensic services, such as fingerprinting and firearms examinations, to be performed in-house.

The unit consists of seven employees comprised of four analysts along with three evidence technicians and support staff.

Tuscaloosa Policy Chief Brent Blankley said the third-party accreditation ensures that a forensic lab’s findings are impartial and meet a quality standard that is recognized globally.

“The accreditation represents nearly three years of work by the Forensics Division,” Blankley said. “This achievement represents our commitment to employing the most current and up-to-date policing methods to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

Blankley also said the distinction makes the department eligible for federal grants that require accreditation, with TPD standing out as the only first-responding agency in Alabama that performs forensic examinations as an accredited lab.

TPD is one of 15 across 11 Southeastern states, with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences representing the only other entity in the state with lab accreditation.

“Accreditation is an added layer of accountability to say that we’re doing things according to proven, best practices the way agencies do things across the world,” Forensic Services Division director Mitch Rector said.

TPD said members of its Forensics Services Division underwent extensive training and obtained multiple certifications to meet the accreditation standards.

“Sending evidence off-site could delay an investigation weeks or even months. We created this unit so we could quickly identify and arrest violent offenders before they re-offend,” Blankley said. “This unit has proven to be a tremendous asset to our investigative capabilities, and achieving accreditation is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our team.”

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