Jason R. Bowie, Cabinet Secretary | New Mexico Department of Public Safety
All three forensic laboratories operated by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Hobbs have been reaccredited to international standards across all forensic disciplines. The reaccreditation was granted under the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) standards by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.
To maintain this status, DPS labs must conduct regular internal audits, undergo annual reviews, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. According to Jason Bowie, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, “Accreditation is the cornerstone of public trust in forensic science and New Mexico’s forensic laboratories will continue to maintain this legacy. 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 accreditation process ensures that evidence analyzed—ranging from DNA to firearms and controlled substances—meets strict international benchmarks for accuracy and impartiality. This oversight supports law enforcement agencies as well as judicial partners throughout New Mexico.
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia Serna stated, “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. From victims and families to law enforcement and prosecutors, all can have full confidence in the integrity of our forensic science services.”
External assessments play a key role in upholding laboratory operations through independent reviews and technical evaluations. Forensic Lab Director Katharina Babcock said, “Accreditation is about accountability and trust. 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.”
Established in 1972, the DPS Forensic Laboratory Bureau serves all law enforcement agencies within New Mexico’s criminal justice system. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, it processed over 17,500 evidence items from nearly 6,750 cases statewide.
