September 2021 - 27

arose out of recommendations made by the
National Commission of Forensic Science
to ensure that reliable and scientifically valid
evidence is used when solving crimes. While
this announcement was only aimed at federal
labs, it is possible accreditation will eventually
be required for all forensic labs. At the time,
the Forensic and Fish Health Lab was still
" The new facility
provides additional
space and upgrades
that made accreditation
a reality. " - Kim Frazier
housed at the University of Wyoming, where
it had been located for more than 60 years.
" The former facility on the UW campus was
too small and would have prevented the
lab from meeting mandatory accreditation
requirements, " Frazier said.
These requirements were a driving force
for finding a new home for the lab. It resulted
in a new facility that opened in 2018 as part
of Game and Fish's regional office in Laramie.
At 19,000 square feet, the new facility is
nearly four times the size of the old lab.
" The new facility provides additional
space and upgrades that made accreditation
a reality, " Frazier said.
It also provides separate workspace for
forensics and fish health. In the old facility,
the fish health staff shared space with
forensics and DNA testing equipment, which
would have prevented accreditation of the
forensic laboratory.
Each year the forensic lab works on 70 to
Counter immunodiffusion
gel is used for species
identification. (WGFD photo)
80 cases involving poaching of Wyoming's
wildlife. Forensic studies provide game
wardens with necessary proof in law
enforcement cases. A scientist at the lab can
take a small sample of blood or hair from
the back of a pickup and match it to a gut
pile left in the field, a taxidermy mount or
antlers or horns from an animal. The lab's
work has resulted in hundreds of convictions
for poaching crimes. " Accreditation helps
with credibility in court and ensures we are
doing the best science possible, " Frazier said.
Because of the sensitivity of criminal cases,
much of the accreditation requirements for
the forensic lab are related to security.
Wyoming Wildlife | 27

September 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2021

September 2021 - 1
September 2021 - 2
September 2021 - 3
September 2021 - 4
September 2021 - 5
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September 2021 - 48
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