Mexico Laboratory Directors Course

1. Mexico Laboratory Directors Course Architectural Design of Crime Laboratory James Aguilar J.A. Architecture & Consulting

2. Forensic - Architectural Design Key Issues in designing a Crime Laboratory • Unique laboratory type • Evidence protection • Chain-of-Custody • Contamination concerns • Safety issues • Biological hazards • Security (Internal & External) • Planning issues • Evidence flow though lab • Accreditation • Space to allow program growth / flexibility • Future facility growth (Forensic program/technologies evolving) • Robust & Dependable building systems

3. Forensic - Architectural Design What makes a Crime Laboratory different to other Laboratory types • Evidence – One of A Kind • Regulatory issues (ASCLD) • Cross contamination concerns • Security requirements • Safety concerns • Unknown products • Layout space • Evidence examination • Crime scene re-enactments • Separation of lab instrumentation • MEP systems

4. Forensic - Architectural Design Evidence – One of A Kind • Tracking (Electronic) • Security • Chain-of-Custody • Receiving & Storage • Central storage vs. Satellite storage • High-Density storage system • Cross contamination

5. Forensic - Architectural Design Cross Contamination Issues • Evidence • Staff • HVAC systems • Separate systems • Between labs and office Areas • Evidence storage rooms • Drying rooms • Bio-Vestibules to labs

6. Forensic - Architectural Design Safety Issues • Staff protection • Evidence –Unknown health issues • Air-borne pathogens • Potential explosive evidence • Chemical storage • Separate air systems for labs & offices

7. Forensic - Architectural Design Security Issues • Passive system • Planning of site and building to minimize risk • Electronic • Surveillance cameras • Card access system • Intrusion detection system • Physical • External • Exterior walls • Site barriers • Internal planning

8. Forensic - Architectural Design Levels of Security - Internal • Zone 1 - Public Lobby, Restrooms and Reception • Zone 2 - Semi-Public Circulation Zones • Zone 3 - Secured rooms - Laboratories • Zone 4 - High Security – Evidence & Narcotics Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4

9. Forensic - Architectural Design Site Issues • Controlled entry points • Adjacent to clients • Secured parking – Staff & Evidence contributors • Parking • Visitors • Evidence contributor • Staff • Crime laboratory vehicles • Future expansion potential • Blast zone clearance

10. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections • Forensic Biology Lab (DNA functions Fast growing section – New technology evolution) • Mitochondrial DNA Lab (New technology evolving) • Low Copy DNA Lab (New technology evolving) • CODIS • Trace Evidence Lab • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) room • Arson Lab • Firearms Lab / Firing Range (Projectile recovery tank) • Toolmarks • Gun Shot Residue Lab • Toxicology Lab • Blood / Breath Alcohol Lab • Controlled Substances Lab • Latent Prints • Computer Forensics (Fast growing section – New technology evolution) • Questioned Documents • Digital Imaging • Audio/Video/Photography • Vehicle Examination • Evidence Processing • Evidence Storage • Evidence examination/screening room • Instrumentation Room for laboratory equipment • Crime Scene Re-enactment Room – Multi-purpose

11. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Forensic Biology • One Way Travel - examination > extraction > set-up > bio-vestibule > amplification > exit • Distance separation of room • Temperature sensitivity • Contamination concerns • Casework mobility • Refrigerated evidence • Dedicated functions – reagent prep, janitors closets, examination rooms • Examination rooms – separate victim and suspect • Mitochondrial DNA (New technology - evolving) • Bio-Vestibule: Inter-locking doors • One Way Travel • Distance separation • Temperature sensitivity • Contamination concerns • Casework mobility • Biological safety cabinet – bone grinding • Low Copy DNA (New technology - evolving) • Bio-Vestibule: Inter-locking doors • CODIS • Non-Laboratory space • Sample storage • Data/Telecommunication connections

12. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Trace Evidence Lab • Mobile tables – evidence could be large items • Individual U-shaped workstations • Deep countertop depth 36” • Shared countertop space • Instrumentation room • Microscopy room – vibration sensitivity & light control • Low air flow and air distribution locations • Adjustable task exhaust/lighting • Lighting – multi-level and natural lighting • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) room • Vibration & temperature sensitivity • Avoid electromagnetic radiation – possible shielding • Temperature & humidity control • Utility closet – pumps • Liquid nitrogen delivery • Arson Lab • Volatile evidence • Individual U-shaped workstations • Explosion-proof fume hoods & refrigerator/freezers • Task exhaust /lighting • Chemical storage cabinet • Gun Shot Residue Lab • Contamination control • Air pressurization • Mobile tables • Do no locate near firing range

13. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Vehicle Examination • Clear overhead clearance 12-14 feet plus • Clear space around vehicles • Separate bays for multiple vehicles • Vehicle lift types – Mobile or fixed • Lighting – Multi-level switching & adjustable • Multi-purpose spaces – large space for large evidence items • Exhaust hose with articulating arms • 100% exhaust • Fixed durable casework – Tool storage • Hose reels – air, water, electrical etc. • Crime Scene Equipment Storage • Equipment lockers • Shower/Restroom nearby • Drying Rooms • Adjacent to Vehicle Examination, Evidence intake & Crime Scene Vehicle parking • Decomtaminable finishes – harsh cleaning fluids • Exhaust for odors – High & Low exhaust registers • Bug screens and gasketing

14. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Firearms Laboratory • Individual U-Shaped workstations • Darkenable workstations • Microscope tables – vertically adjustable & vibration sensitive • Lighting - Multi-level switching • Reference gun collection storage room • Size to accommodate future growth • Ammunition storage • NIBIN Unit • International Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) room • Firing Range • Distance Range – Length based upon type of weapons • Concrete walls and ceiling – Design to test weapon types • Air flow away from firing line – 75 fpm @ firing line • 100% exhaust – lead particles – HEPA filtration • Acoustical panels & deflection panels at walls and ceilings • Lighting – Multi-level switching & adjustable • Space for casing ejection distance determination • Bullet traps type • wet snail trap, dry snail trap, rubber lamella, granule • Projectile recovery tank • Target retrieval system • Toolmarks • Wood countertops – Tool storage • Fume hood • Adjacent to firing range Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com

15. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Toxicology Lab • Linear casework layout • Separate from drug laboratory • Fume hoods • Instrumentation room – Not shared with drug lab • Drug standards storage vault • Balance room or counter space • Vibration sensitive • Sample receiving area • Coroner toxicology analysis – separate room - odors • Blood / Breath Alcohol Lab • Linear casework layout • Instrument repair bench • Sample receiving area • Task exhaust /lighting • Fume hoods • Instrumentation benches • Linear casework layout • Calibration room for instruments • Storage for instruments , parts and tools • Linear casework layout • Mobile tables and carts

16. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Controlled Substances Lab • Individual U-Shaped workstations • Locking storage cabinets • Shared countertop space • Vibration sensitive area • Marble table - balances • Task exhaust/lighting • Low flow countertop fume extractor • Fine dust particles • Secured reference drugs standards storage room • Dedicated instrumentation room • Reagent prep room – shared • Explosion fume hoods & refrigerator/freezers • Chemical storage cabinet Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com

17. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Latent Prints • Individual U-Shaped workstations • Dusting stations – fume hood • Mobile tables • Space for large items • Chemical Processing Lab • Superglue cabinets • Dye staining sink • Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) • Alternate light source room • Laser room • Computer Forensics • Non-Laboratory space • Individual U-Shaped digital workstations • Anti-static finishes • Sensitive information under review • No direct outside observation • Visitor warning system • Multiple electrical and data outlets • Clean room – Evidence hard drive recovery • Computer evidence storage room Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com

18. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Questioned Documents • Non-Laboratory space • Perimeter casework • Mobile tables • Light table • Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting • Chemical processing room – Fume hood • Digital Imaging • Non-Laboratory space • Perimeter casework • Mobile tables • Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting • Audio/Video/Photography • Non-Laboratory space • Mobile tables • Lighting – Multi-level switching & natural daylighting

19. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Evidence Intake/Processing • Evidence exchange counters • Adjacent to exterior access • Evidence contributor lobby and separate triage room • Security camera monitoring • Off hours evidence drop-off lockers • Mobile casework – flexible arrangements • Areas for logging in and processing evidence • Distribution method to staff • Hazardous Evidence Processing laboratory • Suspect evidence • Evidence shipping area • Evidence Storage • Secured rooms – full height walls and hard ceilings • Various evidence storage vaults/rooms • Dry storage - Valuables • Biological - Chemical – Clan Lab & Arson • Weapons - Refrigerated • Narcotics - Outgoing evidence • Main evidence storage complex –vs.- satellite evidence storage rooms • Storage Systems • High-Density mobile storage system • Fixed Shelving • Ventilations – Air exchange rate and high/low exhaust • 100% exhaust • Drying rooms for wet/odorous evidence

20. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Sections – Design Considerations • Evidence Examination/Screening Room • Shared or dedicated • Mobile tables • Perimeter fixed casework / storage cabinets • Fume hood or Biological safety cabinet • Oversized entry doors • Lighting - Multi-level switching and adjustable • Overhead racks – adjustable • Low velocity air flow • Plan placement of registers • High & low exhaust registers • Instrumentation Room for Laboratory Equipment • Control heat source • Minimize services (electrical & gases) – cost saving • Control noise level in laboratory space • Maintenance service access to back of instrument • Crime Scene Re-enactment Room – Multi-purpose • Clear floor area • Cleanable walls and ceilings Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com Photo courtesy of www.balloggophoto.com

21. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Planning Issues • Adjacencies • Relationships • Future growth • Structural column spacing • Evidence security • Evidence flow • Evidence & Secured file storage systems • High Density storage systems • Evidence delivery • Entry point • Hours of operation • Contamination • Regional caseload types • Refrigeration & Freezers • Walk-in units verse Stand alone • Temperature monitoring and alarming • Biological hazards • Unknown evidence • Clandestine drugs • Bodily fluids

22. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Planning Issues

23. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Casework Layout • Understand function of lab section to determine which casework type(s) are suitable • Laboratory function (Generalist -vs.- Specialized) • Linear layout -vs.- U-Shaped layout • Circulation path impact • Air flow due to circulation • Contamination concerns • Fine particle disturbance • Standing -vs.- Sitting height • Fixed and/or Adjustable • Accommodate future growth

24. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Casework Types • Need to understand function of lab section to determine which casework type is suitable • Wood Casework • Metal casework • Plastic Laminate • Stainless Steel • Fixed Casework -vs.- Mobile Casework • Adjustable Casework • Mobile Tables (offer flexibility)

25. Forensic - Architectural Design Laboratory Equipment • Building System Coordination • Chemical fume hoods • Biological safety cabinets • Overhead track systems • Low flow countertop exhaust cabinets • Task Exhaust – point of use • Vehicle examination lift • Stand alone refrigerators & freezers • Walk-in cold boxes • High-density file storage systems • Point of use laboratory gas generators • Autoclave • Laboratory glasswasher • Water polishing unit – Type 1 point of use • Horizontal projectile rec. tank • Bullet trap • Owner provided/installed laboratory equipment

26. Forensic - Architectural Design Finishes • Understand function of laboratory section to determine which type(s) are suitable: • Durable • De-contaminable • Cleanable • Chemical resistances • Laboratory grade products • Epoxy finishes • Non-particulate & non-dusting • Secure / Attack resistant • Cost

27. Forensic - Architectural Design Mechanical Issues • Temperature control / Sensitivity • DNA Sections • SEM • Air Supply • Low flow • Avoid placement of air supply diffusers over evidence examination areas • Pressurization (Bio Vestibule) • Zoning of each laboratory unit • Services • Control • Humidity & De-Humidification • HEPA Filters • Firing Range • Fume hood exhaust – Separate from building exhaust system • Odors • Volatile fumes • Exhaust systems • Labs: avoid plenum return system – odors & contamination • Task exhaust – point of use • 100% Exhaust –vs.- Recirculation • - Laboratory suites and Evidence - 100% exhaust • - Office – recirculation • High & low exhaust • Acoustics & Vibration

28. Forensic - Architectural Design Electrical Issues • Standard power • Emergency power • Power distribution • Electrical Raceway – Flexibility • Different power distribution at: • Laboratory spaces • Instrumentation rooms • Offices • Uninterruptible Power Systems • Clean Power – Harmonic Distortion • Data / Communications Systems • Lighting systems • Exterior and Interior • Lighting levels – Laboratory spaces -vs.- evidence examination • Fixture types • Multi-level switching • Task lighting • Grounding system • Fire Alarm System • Paging & Public address systems

29. Forensic - Architectural Design Plumbing • Water systems • Industrial • Domestic • Ultra Pure (Type I – IV) • Deionized Water • R.O. Water • Disposal systems • Lab waste • Chemical • Floor drains • Emergency Showers / Eyewash Units • Vacuum system • Lab Gases • Hydrogen • Nitrogen • Helium • Purge Gas • Zero Air • Lab Gas distribution system • House system • Point-of-use generators • Cylinders • Fire Protection systems • Wet pipe • Dry pipe (Pre-Action systems) • Chemical

30. Forensic - Architectural Design Design Process • Needs Assessment • Facility Assessment • Programming • Conceptual Design • Documentation (Schematic Design, Design Development & Contract Documents) • Bidding • Construction • Commissioning (Not just building systems, but include forensic equipment and systems) • Close-out

31. Forensic - Architectural Design Future Trends in Forensic Investigation • Forensic lab buildings need to be designed with the ability to expand • Internally • Externally • Increasing automation in certain lab procedures • Robotics • Future DNA Analysis - Chip DNA • Emergence of digital evidence as a new lab section • Computer Forensics • Cell Phone Digital Data • Video Surveillance Data • Increasing reliance upon computerized data bases: • AFIS • CODIS • NIBIN • Digital photography occurs throughout the laboratory • Multiple utility services (Lab gases, electrical power etc.) to accommodate future instrument upgrades

32. Forensic - Architectural Design Conclusion - Key Issues in designing a forensic facility • Unique laboratory type • Evidence protection • Chain of Custody • Contamination concerns • Safety issues • Biological hazards • Security (Internal & External) • Planning issues • Evidence flow though lab • Accreditation • Space to allow program growth / flexibility • Future facility growth (Forensic program/technologies evolving) • Robust & Dependable Building Systems

33. Forensic - Architectural Design Questions James Aguilar J.A. Architecture & Consulting