The Forensic Biology Section is responsible for performing Serological and DNA analysis associated with criminal casework as well as maintaining and operating the State’s DNA database. In order to efficiently address these functions the Biology Section is structured on a three unit basis overseen by one Forensic Scientist Manager.
Biology Casework Unit
The Casework Unit is comprised of two sub-units. The Investigative Casework Sub-Unit is staffed by four scientists including one Forensic Scientist Supervisor, one Forensic Scientist Advanced, and two Forensic Scientists III. The Trial Casework Sub-Unit is staffed by five scientists including one Forensic Scientist Supervisor, one Forensic Scientist Advanced, and three Forensic Scientists III.
The Trial Casework Sub-Unit is part of the Biology Casework Unit. The Trial Casework Sub-Unit performs serology and/or DNA testing on cases that have resulted in an arrest and are being tested in support of the adjudication of the arrestee. This sub-unit has the main responsibility of assigning, analyzing, and reviewing these cases for those agencies serviced by the MSP-FSD Biology Section. While the primary responsibility of this sub-unit is cases with pending trial dates, it also does assist with the analysis of investigative and cold cases, the preparation and review of outsourced casework, and training of new analysts as necessary.
The Investigative Casework Sub-Unit is also part of the Biology Casework Unit. The Investigative Casework Sub-Unit performs serology and/or DNA testing on cases without pending court dates, which have not resulted in an arrest but are being tested in support of making an arrest. This sub-unit is responsible for handling high-priority/high-profile investigative cases, routine investigative cases, and cold cases. The Investigative Casework Sub-Unit is also responsible for the management and processing of outsourced casework to a contract vendor laboratory when required and training of new analysts as necessary.
Biology Database Unit
The Database Unit is staffed by nine scientists including one Forensic Scientist Supervisor (CODIS Administrator), two Forensic Scientists Advanced, three Forensic Scientists III, one Forensic Scientists II, one Forensic Scientist I and one Laboratory Technician I.
The DNA Database Unit is responsible for collecting DNA database samples from individuals required under Maryland law to provide a sample. The law was expanded in 2009 to include individuals arrested and charged with crimes of violence, burglary, and attempts of these crimes. While the majority of samples are collected by Allied Agencies, the DNA Database Unit is responsible for ensuring that all samples that were collected are received. The DNA Database Unit is also responsible for processing the DNA database samples received (as per Maryland law), entering DNA profiles from DNA database samples into the database, searching the database for hits, and reporting database hits. The DNA Database Unit also oversees the entry of DNA profiles from casework evidence into the database.
Biology Technical Unit
The Technical/Validation Unit is staffed by four scientists including one Forensic Scientist Supervisor (Technical Leader), one Forensic Scientist Advanced, and two Forensic Scientists III.
The Technical Unit of the Biology Section is responsible for the evaluation of new technologies to determine if they are appropriate to implement into the Section, validation of new technologies, training of personnel on new and current technologies, and quality assurance / quality control aspects of the Biology Section.
