Inside the FBI: FBI Laboratory
With Dr. Dwight E. Adams
Director of the FBI Laboratory
Thursday, May 15, 2003; 1 p.m. ET

In many crime investigations, forensic science is an advanced method for analyzing evidence and identifying the DNA data of a victim and linking a suspect to a crime. Recently, the FBI opened its new laboratory building in Quantico. The lab analyzes evidence collected by federal, local and international police agencies and is considered one of the most advanced forensic facilities in the world. The new 500,000-square-foot building has the most advanced forensic research equipment and over 650 examiners and technicians on the campus.

Join Dr. Dwight E. Adams, director of the FBI Laboratory, on Thursday, May 15 at 1 p.m. ET, he discusses the capabilities of the FBI Laboratory and its 70-year history.

Adams was appointed Director of the FBI Laboratory in April 2002. He formerly held positions in the FBI Laboratory as Deputy Assistant Director, Chief for the Forensic Science Research and Training Center, and Chief of the Scientific Analysis Section. He also served for seven years in the FBI Laboratory's DNA Analysis Unit.

NOTE: Per the FBI's request, please DO NOT use this forum to post crime leads or solicitations to investigate matters. If you have an emergency, please contact the nearest FBI office or, if outside the United States, contact the nearest Legal Attachι office.

The transcript follows.

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Good afternoon. I am looking forward to responding to your questions regarding the FBI Laboratory.

Vienna, Va.: How much did it cost to build the new forensics lab in Quantico and why did you choose to do this?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: The new FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia cost approximately $130 million. More than six years ago, Congress recognized that our former facility was never designed as a laboratory and appropriated the necessary funding to provide the FBI with a world-class facility.

Harrisburg, Pa.: DNA analysis is a wonderful tool. I am worried about the proliferation of private laboratories who do not come close to the skill and abilities of the FBI laboratory. Would it make sense to have an independent certification of laboratories or some system to review which laboratories use proper procedures and which do not? Much of this analysis is becoming evidence in court cases, and we should move to see that such evidence is trustworthy.

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Your question is a good one and speaks directly to standards. Today, all DNA testing laboratories (public and private) that submit DNA results for inclusion into the National DNA Index System must adhere to national standards. These laboratories must also undergo periodic inspections and audits.

Los Angeles, California: Dr. Dwight Adams:

I have a question for you. In the case of a foreign country, which will be the approximate cost of a complete exam of evidences of a crime, including DNA, in the new Quantico laboratory?

And I want to congratulate you for this new lab that will help them in the resolution of cases.

Sincerely
Ingrid Makepeace

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Thank you for your comments. This new laboratory has been dedicated to solving crimes not only for law enforcement agencies, but also to bring resolution to victims. As to the cost of examinations for foreign countries, the FBI Laboratory provides its services free of charge to any law enforcement agency to include foreign governments.

Bettendorf, Iowa: Is the labortory similar to the television show CSI?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: I have never watched the television show CSI, but I understand they solve most of their cases in less than one hour. It usually takes us a little longer.

Fairfax, Va.: Does the FBI collect DNA information on people and store it like fingerprint information?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Every state in the United States collects DNA from certain convicted felons. The FBI also receives DNA from persons convicted of certain federal crimes. All of these DNA profiles are then maintained in the National DNA Index System (NDIS) for comparison against unsolved crimes. Since the establishment of NDIS in 1998, more than 6,000 cases have been solved using this FBI-sponsored database.

Arlington, Va.: Is forensic science a good field to go into? It seems like it's always in the news. What kind of education does one need?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: If you are looking for a challenge, if you want a job that brings science and the criminal justice system together, and if you desire to make an impact locally or even nationally, I would highly recommend a career as a scientist in a crime laboratory. Most crime laboratories require a minimum of a four year college degree in some field of science.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: I am wondering, if there is a crime in a foriegn country like here that involves America, will the FBI lab be involved?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Most often the answer is yes. However, the FBI must first be invited by the host country through the Department of State.

Washington, D.C.: NPR aired a report this morning on the Quantico lab, which, incidentally, said CSI is a great recruiting vehicle for forensic labs.

The report also said that the chief problem with all this scientific accuracy is that it's still under the control of prosecutors and police, which means the analysis comes from a party to the court fight that has a stake in the prosecution's success. An alternative model they suggested was the UK system of crime labs, but then they didn't detail it. How are crime labs in the UK run?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Our job in this laboratory as with any crime laboratory in the United States is not to prove the investigator's theory about a case, but to provide the truth through science. As an example, over 25% of all cases submitted for DNA testing exonerates the suspect. Clearly, this example does not demonstrate "control" by the police or prosecution. We differ from the UK in that we are a public laboratory, not a private, for-profit laboratory.

Virginia: Are you an agent? Can agents work at the lab?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: I am a Special Agent with the FBI. I am also a scientist with a Ph.D. in biology. The FBI Laboratory employs approximately 650 individuals that are both agent and professional support employees.

Now that the Lab has moved ... : Will they ever give tours at the new place? I remember getting to watch workers look at evidence through a window at the old building. It was very cool.

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: The new FBI Laboratory is not designed to accomodate public tours. However, keep an eye on the FBI's web site (www.fbi.gov), because we are working on a virtual tour of our new facility.

Albany, N.Y.: What, do you feel, is the most important improvement the new center brings to crime-solving?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: First of all, space. We increased our space almost three-fold. Also, the new facility was designed with the integrity of evidence in mind. Evidence is transported in separate elevators, and office space is separated from laboratory space. Finally, safety to our employees. This facility has the latest advances in air handling quality and personal safety features.

Reston, Va.: In the FBI, what is the difference between and Agent and a Special Agent?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: No difference. All agents have the title, Special Agent.

Detroit, Mich.: Dr. Adams,

How is the bureau's lab superior to state forensic labs?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: I believe that the FBI Laboratory is the world's foremost forensic laboratory. But that does not make us superior to any state or local forensic laboratory. The way we are most effective is to work in partnership. One example is the National DNA Databank. This national system links the FBI Laboratory and 190 state and local laboratories together to solve cases. The result of this partnership - over 6,000 cases solved since 1998.

Washington, D.C.: Do you handle both federal and/or state crimes?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: The FBI Laboratory provides services free of charge to any law enforcement agency - local, state or federal.

Frederick, Md.: Does the lab have a student internship program for college (B.S. track) students to get some real time lab experience?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Yes. There are two different programs. One is the Honor's Intern Program where those completing their junior year of college can apply and, if accepted, spend the summer at the FBI Laboratory or other divisions within the FBI. This summer, the FBI Laboratory will host 15 interns in this program. The second program is our visiting scientist program. Here, college students, graduate students or faculty members desiring a research partnership can work with us for a few to several months. More information about this program can be found in our on-line journal "Forensic Science Communications."

Washington, D.C.: How many cases are investigated through forensic science as an investigative tool?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: The FBI Laboratory works approximately 8,000 to 10,000 cases per year.

Durham, N.C.: So how long will it take for the FBI to get their computer systems linked so that you can effectively use your new lab?

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: We are operational today.

Dr. Dwight E. Adams: Well, my time has expired. I'm sorry that I could not answer every question. Thank you for submitting your questions and for your interest in the FBI Laboratory.

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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