The crime lab systems in operation across the country vary in structure. Public crime labs may be federal-, state-, county-, or city-sponsored. Many public labs are associated with a law enforcement entity; some are associated with a district attorney's office, while others are independent government entities. Some forensic laboratories are privately held companies.

Not all laboratories are capable of providing comprehensive and complete forensic services. Some do not have the capability to conduct DNA testing and may need to contract out their DNA cases to other agencies or private corporations.

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