Forensic Chemistry

The Forensic Chemistry Section is composed of forensic chemists containing a formal education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and three years experience in a chemical laboratory.

Evidence Received

The forensic chemistry section receives evidence for analysis of suspected controlled substances. This refers to drugs and/or chemicals placed on the Controlled Substances Act under federal law and the Controlled Substances List under Arkansas Code, Chapter 64. Evidence may be in the form of powders, capsules, tablets, vegetable matter and paraphernalia, as well as any solid, liquid, or vapor that could contain a chemical to be identified. On average the forensic chemistry section receives approximately 16,000 cases per year.

Testing Techniques

Techniques used in the forensic chemistry section include Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to qualitatively analyze the samples. Gas Chromatography (GC) is typically the method of choice if quantitative analysis is necessary.

The chemist summarizes their analytical findings in a written report for each case. The report and the evidence are then available for the submitting law enforcement agency to pick up.

Court Testimony

The forensic chemist may testify in municipal, circuit, and federal court as needed regarding the laboratory results.