Atlanta Police Crime Lab Celebrates Two Decades

The city’s forensic facility has marked twenty years of processing evidence to assist in local criminal investigations.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement

High-precision forensic laboratory equipment and stainless steel examination surfaces captured in cool, clinical light. — The Atlanta Police Department’s forensic laboratory marked its 20th anniversary this week, continuing its role in processing criminal evidence for local investigations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Atlanta Police Department has highlighted its forensic crime laboratory as the facility celebrates its 20th anniversary. This dedicated lab allows city investigators to process evidence, such as fingerprints and firearms data, without relying on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Why it matters

Operating its own laboratory allows local law enforcement to accelerate the pace of investigations and identify suspects more efficiently. By maintaining national accreditation, the department ensures its forensic analysis remains admissible and reliable for criminal court proceedings.

The laboratory has marked its 20th year of operation by providing technical support for complex investigations, including the recovery of 91 cartridge cases from one scene and identifying 5 weapons used in a single aggravated assault.

The players

Atlanta Police Department

This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the safety and investigation of criminal activity within the city of Atlanta.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

This is a state-level law enforcement agency that provides forensic and investigative support to local police departments throughout Georgia.

The details

Forensic examiners at the facility lift fingerprints from items like spray paint cans collected at scenes, such as the vandalism incident at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue. They also compare markings on bullets and shell casings to definitively connect weapons to specific violent crimes.

The crime laboratory is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout 2026.
The laboratory will host an open house for city leaders and invited guests this Friday.

Legal Context

The establishment and success of this municipal laboratory reflect a broader trend of large cities seeking internal forensic autonomy to bypass the processing backlogs often seen at state-run institutions like the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The continued operation of the local lab means that evidence from neighborhood incidents is processed within city limits rather than being sent to state facilities. This local processing capacity can lead to faster identification of suspects and quicker resolution for victims of crimes in the community.

The takeaway

Maintaining an in-house forensic laboratory allows police to manage the investigative workflow for localized crimes with greater precision. Residents benefit when law enforcement can quickly link weapons and evidence to specific incidents without waiting for external state resources.