Founded in 1968, the Northern Illinois Police Crime Laboratory (NIPCL), now known as the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory (NIRCL) provides forensic services to over 49 member law enforcement agencies that govern and fund its operations.  Located in Vernon Hills, the NIRCL service area extends from the southern boundary of Chicago to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line and serves a population of approximately 1.2 million. 

In 2012, the laboratory acheived ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation from Forensic Quality Services.  This  designation is given to laboratories that have shown they meet the international standards in quality, management, and operations set forth by the  ISO 17025  guidelines. NIRCL couples this distinction with its own guidelines of providing a high level of customer service in a timely manner to its member agencies.

Currently, the laboratory employs 14 analysts who specialize in one or more of the above listed disciplines. These scientists are dedicated to meeting the needs of members while being among the best in their respective fields.  NIRCL is proud of the hardworking attitude and customer focus of these special people.  The membership concurs.

In addition to analysis in DNA, Latent Prints, Firearms, Drug Analysis and Toxicology, NIRCL assists in the destruction of drugs and firearms from submitting agencies. Staff at NIRCL provide training for officers and provide informational presentations to the community, at large (police citizens academies, civic organizations)

Perhaps the greatest advantage of NIRCL service is the relatively low turnaround times.  Efficient service not only aids in the investigation and prosecution of crimes in the service area, but also reduces the bottleneck in an already busy criminal justice system. 



What We Do

NIRCL is a full-service forensic laboratory providing analysis in the following areas:

• Drug Chemistry
• Fingerprints
• Biology/DNA
• Toxicology
• Firearms
• Toolmarks
• Footwear
  

View NIRCL's ANAB Certificate of Accreditation