New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Labs meet global standards in reaccreditation

​Achievement reinforces confidence in evidence supporting law enforcement, judicial partners, courts

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Sept. 14, 2025 - All three New Mexico Department of Public Safety forensic laboratories located in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs have successfully achieved international reaccreditation across every forensic discipline, reaffirming New Mexico's commitment to scientific excellence and the integrity of its justice system.

The reaccreditation was conferred under the International Organization for Standardization/ International Electrotechnical Commission standards by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Maintaining accreditation requires continuous internal audits, annual reviews and a culture of ongoing improvement.

"Accreditation is the cornerstone of public trust in forensic science and New Mexico's forensic laboratories will continue to maintain this legacy," said Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie. "Our laboratories undergo reaccreditation every 24 months to ensure sustained compliance with international standards, and our DNA section is additionally accredited by the FBI under the Quality Assurance Standards. These measures ensure that our forensic scientists consistently deliver results that are credible, reliable, and trusted by the justice system."

The reaccreditation confirms that every piece of evidence analyzed in Department of Public Safety laboratories, whether DNA, firearms, controlled substances, or latent prints, meets the highest international standards for accuracy, impartiality, and accountability. This rigorous evaluation protects the rights of the accused, supports law enforcement and prosecution teams, and ensures that justice in New Mexico is built on a foundation of science.

"This is not just an accomplishment for the laboratories, it is a victory for every New Mexican who depends on a fair and functioning justice system," said Department of Public Safety Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna. "From victims and families to law enforcement and prosecutors, all can have full confidence in the integrity of our forensic science services."

External accreditation also reinforces the integrity of laboratory operations. Through independent assessments, ongoing audits, and in-depth technical reviews, the process verifies that every procedure and result is measured against recognized international standards. This independent scrutiny strengthens confidence in the reliability of forensic science across New Mexico's justice system.

"Accreditation is about accountability and trust," said Forensic Lab Director Katharina Babcock. "Our reaccreditation confirms that every test we conduct, every report we issue, and every courtroom testimony we provide is grounded in science that meets or exceeds global standards."

The Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory Bureau, established in 1972, provides forensic services to all New Mexico law enforcement, criminal justice, and court systems. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Bureau analyzed more than 17,539 evidence items from 6,746 cases submitted from agencies statewide.

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