Final Activities Report: Lab Information Management System LIMS

• NCJ Number: 210559
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 3 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-LP-CX-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Award: Phoenix Police Department

Annotation

This report briefly describes enhancements made to the City of Phoenix, Laboratory Services Bureau’s (LSB) Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to better support the LSB.

Abstract

The City of Phoenix is the largest metropolitan area in the State of Arizona with a police force of over 2,700 officers. Supporting the city’s police is the Laboratory Services Bureau (LSB) consisting of examiners and crime scene response personnel. The LSB generates over 40,000 scientific analysis reports annually. However, due to limited resources in the printing, copying and mailing of these reports, as well as case files to investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, a more efficient method of access to these reports and case file documentation was imperative. LSB received funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice to enhance its Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in order to provide more LIMS access to laboratory staff. This provides LSB with the ability to offer timely, accurate, and reliable scientific analysis results. This report describes enhancements made to the LIMS which includes the acquisition of 32 portable LIMS workstations to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and enhance LSB communications and reduce overtime expenditures. Since the acquisition and utilization of the workstations, there has been a significant improvement in LSB operations.