Crime Laboratory
Forensic Biology Unit
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Biology Unit was established to improve DNA casework turnaround times for criminal investigations in Adams County. The laboratory achieved accreditation and began performing DNA casework in August 2023. In addition to serving the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Forensic Biology Unit maintains working relationships with several local law enforcement agencies. The unit performs forensic testing on a variety of case types, including homicides, sexual assaults, assaults, and motor vehicle thefts.
The Forensic Biology Unit is divided into two specialized areas: Serology and DNA. Forensic scientists examine evidence for the presence of biological fluids, including blood, semen, and saliva, and collect trace DNA from evidentiary items. Using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis and male-specific Y-STR analysis, scientists develop DNA profiles for identification purposes. These profiles can be compared with known individuals and, when applicable, entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to assist in criminal investigations within Adams County.
