Ontario’s Centre of Forensic Sciences is one of the most extensive forensic science facilities in North America. The roots of the Centre are in the creation of the Attorney General’s Laboratory in 1951, renamed The Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) in the Province of Ontario in 1966.
In 1986, as part of the Northern Initiative Program, the Ontario Government approved the establishment of the first regional forensic science laboratory. The new laboratory, the Northern Regional Forensic Laboratory (NRFL), located in Sault Ste. Marie, became operational in July 1992.
The two laboratories conduct scientific investigations in cases involving injury or death in unusual circumstances and in crimes against persons or property. Highly specialized forensic examination and analysis are conducted in the following areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Documents
- Firearms and toolmarks
- Toxicology
Independent scientific laboratory services support the administration of justice and public safety programs across the province. Law enforcement officers, crown attorneys, defense counsel, coroners, pathologists and other official investigative agencies make use of the Centre’s services.
The CFS also offers many educational programs and materials for persons or agencies using its services. Included are lectures at police colleges, forensic pathology courses, coroner’s courses or universities. Frequent seminars are also arranged for special groups from the legal profession and the police.
Visit their website for more information.