Governor Healey Proclaims Forensic Science Week from September 14 -20, 2025

• Massachusetts State Police
• Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Video: FSW 2025

Maynard- Governor Maura Healey has declared September 14-20 as Forensic Science Week in honor of the Massachusetts forensic science community and their contributions to public safety. Forensic Science Week is celebrated nationwide every third week of September to recognize forensic scientists for their hard work and highlight the essential role of forensic science in advancing investigations, solving crime, and supporting the administration of justice.

As part of the week-long celebration, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL) will launch a digital campaign to educate the public about the lab's various forensic scientific disciplines, share insights about lab operations, and offer advice to aspiring forensic scientists.

"Forensic scientists are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, applying science and technology to ensure that the truth prevails in investigations," said Governor Healey. "This week is dedicated to honoring these professionals for their vital role in the pursuit of justice. This week, we extend our deepest gratitude for their service to Massachusetts."

"The skillful work of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab helps to detect crime patterns, inform investigations, and provide answers to victims and their families. We thank the forensic science community for their commitment to integrity, innovation, and public service," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

"Forensic Science Week highlights the diverse and specialized fields within forensic science, including DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint examination, and crime scene investigation," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "These disciplines, performed with precision and integrity, are fundamental in establishing facts, identifying perpetrators, and exonerating the innocent. This week and every week, we recognize the important role of the Massachusetts forensic science community and celebrate their contributions to public safety."

"Our crime lab professionals play a vital role in investigations across the Commonwealth. We're incredibly proud of their behind-the-scenes work, which is often unseen but critical to achieving justice and maintaining national standards of forensic excellence," said Colonel Geoff Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. "Their precision, professionalism, and commitment to unbiased, science-based evidence are essential to our mission. I thank the entire Forensic Services Division for their tireless dedication to public safety."

"National Forensic Science Week is an important occasion to acknowledge the significant contributions by the members of the Forensic Services Division to the criminal justice system and the safety of communities throughout Massachusetts," said MSPCL Director Kristen Sullivan. "We recognize the unwavering dedication and commitment of the forensic examiners and administrative professionals in the MSPCL to providing high-quality forensic services to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Their efforts are crucial in enhancing public safety and they deserve our sincere appreciation and support."

The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory system with nine locations across Massachusetts, including a state-of-the-art evidence storage facility. The highly trained scientists at the Laboratory respond to crime scenes, perform laboratory testing, and provide expert testimony. The lab's scientists conduct forensic analysis in various disciplines, including Criminalistics, DNA, Trace/Arson and Explosives, Drug Chemistry, Ante and Post-Mortem Toxicology, Latent Print and Impression Evidence, and Firearms. The lab also performs Breath Alcohol Instrument calibration certifications and collects and processes DNA samples to submit to the national DNA database.

In 2022, the MSPCL achieved national accreditation renewal from the ANSI National Accreditation Board/ANAB, North America's largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body. After a rigorous evaluation, the MSPCL was granted renewal for exemplifying best practices in international testing, calibration, and forensic-specific standards. The MSPCL has maintained its accreditation status through annual assessments by ANAB, verifying continued compliance with the standards of the accrediting body, and will once again seek accreditation renewal in 2026.

For an inside look at the MSPCL, click here.

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• Massachusetts State Police

  The Massachusetts State Police serves as the statewide law enforcement agency and maintains investigative, tactical, and support units throughout the Commonwealth.

• Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory

  The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory provides forensic services for the criminal justice system. We respond to crime scenes, perform laboratory testing, and provide expert testimony.
  

• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

  EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.