Each year, the RCMP's National Forensic Laboratory Services (NFLS) processes thousands of requests from police agencies across the country for forensic services, in areas such as biology (DNA), toxicology, trace evidence, anti-counterfeiting, and firearms and toolmark identification. These services play a vital role in criminal investigations.
On July 15, 2019, the RCMP took ownership of its new laboratory facility in Surrey, British Columbia, which replaces the existing 45-year-old Vancouver laboratory. This new facility, which is targeted to meet LEED® Gold environmental standards, will feature advanced telecommunications systems and specialized workstations designed to fulfill lab operating requirements.
The lab is scheduled to be at full operating capacity by the fall of 2019. During the transition period, the NFLS locations in Edmonton and Ottawa will ensure that forensic service requests continue to be processed.
The new lab will allow the RCMP to continue providing critical services to support criminal investigations across Canada, helping to identify, eliminate or exonerate suspects, and enhance public safety.
Quotes
"Ensuring police agencies across the country have timely access to state-of-the-art forensic laboratory services is a priority for the Government of Canada. Our Government is committed to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice. This new lab facility will ensure that the RCMP can continue providing advanced forensic services to assist with police investigations across Canada."
"This modern, state-of-the-art forensics laboratory is one of the many ways our government is supporting the RCMP by providing them with the tools they need to help keep Canadians safe. We worked together with the RCMP to complete this facility on time, on budget, and within scope, so that it meets the RCMP's needs today and for many years to come."
"As the RCMP looks to its future as a modern, advanced police service, we will continue to prioritize acquiring new technology that will ensure our long-term capabilities. Our new lab in British Columbia will allow us to continue providing valuable forensic services to support police investigations, prosecute criminals, and keep Canadians safe."
Transcript
Aerial overview of BC RCMP HQ complex.
Artist rendition of new laboratory.
Large construction crane.
Lab construction zone with fencing, wood, and bulldozer.
Rooftop construction frame.
Interior open space with walls being framed.
Hallway drywall.
Soundproof concrete enclosure for the firing range.
Exterior of finished laboratory.
Full length entrance shot.
Interior of office space under construction.
Exterior of completed lab.
Entrance to lab with doors opening.
Fume hood in lab.
Empty lab tables.
Lab area with retractable exhaust pipes.
Lab and work benches.
Pan shot of lab work benches.
Robotic tool piping fluid from one cylinder to tray.
Lab technician looking at results on computer monitor.
Lab technician inserting vial which is spun by robot.
Open lab shot showing general lab equipment.
Robotic device measuring liquid and transferring to vials.
Enclosed gun range with target zooming towards screen and then zooming away.
View of hallway and kitchen.
Finished interior of office space.
Interior hallway of building with door closing.
Lab doors automatically closing.
Exterior shot completed lab.
Quick Facts
- In 2018-2019, NFLS processed 17,154 forensic service requests.
- NFLS processes requests from police agencies in every province and territory except Ontario and Quebec, who operate their own laboratories for provincial and municipal investigations.