Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website
Translate
Begin Main Content Area

Bureau of Forensic Services

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Services operates a system of six regional forensic laboratories and one DNA laboratory strategically located throughout the Commonwealth.  The primary mission of our Bureau is to serve the criminal justice community and the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by providing the highest quality scientific, technical and investigative support to law enforcement agencies for the processing of crime-related evidence. The Bureau also provides training in Basic Crime Scene Investigation, Shoe and Tire Impression Evidence, and Crime Scene Photography​.

Regional laboratories are located in Bethlehem, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Lima and Wyoming.  The Forensic DNA Division is located in Greensburg.  Regular business hours are: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Tours of the Pennsylvania State Police Labs are not available to the public.

The Bureau, Investigative and Operational Support Division, and Scientific Services Division administrative offices are located at Departmental Headquarters, and the Quality Management Division is located at 2900 Seminary Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Testing services vary by laboratory.  Please contact the laboratory for details.  Within the Bureau, the following forensic disciplines are performed:

  • Biology (Body Fluid Identification, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, DNA)
  • Drug Chemistry (Controlled Substances, Clandestine Laboratory Analysis, Alcohol Beverage Analysis)
  • Firearms and Tool Marks (including Serial Number Restoration)
  • Latent Prints (including Impression Evidence/Footwear &Tires)
  • Questioned Documents
  • Toxicology (Blood Alcohol, Blood-Drug Analysis) 
  • Trace Evidence (Paint, Fiber/Textiles, Gunshot Residue, Hair, Explosives, Fire Debris, General Physical and Chemical Analysis)

The vast majority of BFS testing services are accredited.  Please contact the laboratory for details.  In addition, services currently accredited at each laboratory can be viewed on the accreditation scope document available on the accrediting body’s website.

Laboratories

Use the laboratory locator to find a forensics lab near you.

Bethlehem Regional Laboratory
2932 Airport Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Telephone – 610-861-2103
FAX - 610-861-2065 

Erie Regional Laboratory
4310 Iroquois Avenue
Erie, PA 16511
Telephone – 814-899-8447
FAX – 814-217-0025

Greensburg Regional Laboratory
425 Willow Crossing Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
Telephone –724-832-3299
FAX – 724-830-2057

Harrisburg Regional Laboratory
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Telephone – 717-783-5554
FAX – 717-705-4317

Lima Regional Laboratory
350 North Middletown Road
Media, PA 19063
Telephone – 610-891-6360
FAX – 610-891-6369

Wyoming Regional Laboratory
1400 Sathers Drive
Pittston, PA 18640
Telephone – 570-654-5921
FAX – 570-654-5941

Forensic DNA Division
80 North Westmoreland Avenue
Greensburg, PA 15601
Telephone – 724-832-5423
FAX – 724-832-6767