In the intricate world of forensic science, every detail matters, from when evidence is collected at a crime scene to its presentation in the courtroom. The STARLIMS Forensics Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is designed to streamline and enhance the forensic process. By addressing each phase of forensic investigation, STARLIMS helps agencies cut costs, save time, and maintain compliance, allowing forensic professionals to focus on critical casework rather than paperwork.

Streamlined Evidence Management

From pre-logging evidence and documenting crime scenes to laboratory analysis and property storage, STARLIMS offers a seamless solution that enhances efficiency and accuracy. The system simplifies evidence collection and management, making it accessible from anywhere. This ensures that forensic agencies can reduce time spent on administrative tasks and concentrate on solving cases. With STARLIMS, every piece of evidence is meticulously documented and tracked from the crime scene to the courtroom, ensuring a robust chain of custody.

Quality and Compliance Assurance

STARLIMS is designed to help organizations comply with rigorous standards such as ISO 17025, ASCLD-LAB, and CALEA. By partnering with a GSA Schedule 70 Certified provider, agencies can be confident in the quality and integrity of their processes. The system reduces error rates by preventing expired reagents or offline equipment, ensuring only valid resources are used. Additionally, STARLIMS links documents to required quality standards, performs quality audits, tracks proficiency testing and training, and documents equipment and reagent quality checks. The QA Compilation Application further eases the burden of preparing for assessments and year-end quality reports.

Flexible and Modular

One of the standout features of STARLIMS is its modularity. Clients only pay for the modules they need while operating on a concurrent license model, making it a cost-effective solution. The system seamlessly integrates crime scene, laboratory, and property unit modules. Users can easily set up new sites, lab units, analyses, workflows, and report templates, adapting to their operations’ evolving needs.

Advanced Laboratory Capabilities

The laboratory module of STARLIMS provides significant time savings and reduces typographical errors through instrument integrations and file parsing. It includes specialized modules such as the ACE-V-based Latent Print module and areas for Firearms analysis, including a Class Characteristic Matrix and Firearms Reference Collection. The system captures recertification activities and points, ensuring all forensic analyses are conducted to the highest standards.

Efficient Property Management

STARLIMS enables the accurate documentation and tracking of crime scene evidence and other property from receipt to disposition. Real-time barcoded tracking ensures every item is accounted for at all times. Officers can pre-log evidence directly from their vehicle computers, saving valuable time. The property file wizard, barcodes for transfers, and alerts for misfiled or misplaced evidence enhance the efficiency and accuracy of property management.

Crime Scene Documentation

STARLIMS captures every detail at the crime scene, including personnel on the scene, their actions, and the evidence collected. The electronic chain-of-custody feature begins immediately upon evidence collection, ensuring integrity. The system supports offline functionality, allowing seamless operation even when unavailable connectivity.

Reporting and Analytics

Versatile Reporting Tools

STARLIMS supports multiple report types, enabling the generation of examiner reports in Microsoft Word or Crystal Reports. Pre-populated results and headers based on unit templates save time and reduce transcription errors. The system also produces statistical reports on evidence throughput, turnaround times, backlogs, and workload for resource management and submission to national bodies.

Advanced Analytics

With Advanced Analytics, STARLIMS offers interactive dashboards that display key performance indicators, providing valuable insights into the forensic process. These analytics help agencies make informed decisions, optimize resources, and demonstrate compliance and efficiency.

Conclusion

The STARLIMS Forensics LIMS solution is a comprehensive tool that transforms forensic agencies’ operations. By streamlining evidence management, ensuring quality and compliance, and offering flexible, modular solutions, STARLIMS enhances the efficiency and accuracy of forensic investigations. Its advanced laboratory capabilities, efficient property management, detailed crime scene documentation, and robust reporting and analytics make it an indispensable asset for any forensic agency. With STARLIMS, agencies can confidently navigate the complexities of forensic science, from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Alpha LIMS Implementation

Alpha has implemented over 50 LIMS systems ranging in size from small, “off-the-shelf” software systems to massive, highly customized, multi-functional systems, including STARLIMS, for governmental agencies and private enterprises. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha today at (410) 295-9500.