Forensics Division

We are known as the Crime Lab. See the many ways we process evidence.
Close up of a bullet.
Forensic images of shoeprints.
Gloved hand swabbing a knife.

Computer Forensics

  • Retrieve and analyze data on digital devices
  • Perform proactive investigations related to child victimization 

Visit Minnesota Internet Crimes against Children

Visit Minnesota Cybercrime Task Force

Field Operations 

  • Examine, document, process, and collect evidence at crime scenes and in the lab
  • Examine fingerprints and footwear
  • Conduct AFIS search for potential matches of unknown fingerprints to known fingerprint records
    • AFIS stands for Automated Fingerprint Identification System
  • Operate 24/7, 365 days a year

Field Operations — AFIS

  •  The AFIS system provides access to:
    • MAFIN — Midwest Automated Fingerprint Identification Network
      • Regional database
      • Includes records submitted by Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota law enforcement agencies. 
    • NGI — Next Generation Identification System
      • The national database
      • Includes records submitted by both state and federal agencies.

 Firearms and Toolmarks

  • Examine firearm and toolmark evidence 
  • Manage the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) program for the MPD
    • NIBIN is used to detect associations between separate firearm incidents through firearm evidence

 Forensics Garage

  • Examine vehicles related to crimes
  • Perform Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verifications

 Video Forensics

  • Examine video for evidentiary content
  • Perform comparative analysis of video evidence
  • Perform audio analysis

Contact us

Forensics Division

Minneapolis Police Department

 

Phone

612-673-3073

Address

Minneapolis Public Service Building

505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 910

Minneapolis, MN 55415