Rapid Response to Urgent International and Domestic Needs

The deployable forensics lab at Cedar Rapids PD. The laboratory helped restore forensic services after the devastating flood of 2008.

Deployable Forensics Laboratories are an innovative and efficient way to provide capability expansion in emergency or combat situations, or temporary replacement of forensic analysis capabilities after a natural disaster or other crisis.

Developed in partnership with the Department of Defense and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the NFSTC laboratories can make a critical difference to local or national forces when needed. The labs provide full and expandable facilities free of charge to the agency in need. Each module measures 8’ x 20’ x 8.5’ and is seated on a standard transport trailer for ease of movement. Once folded out, each shelter provides a maximum of 400 square feet of usable laboratory space.

Deployable, Mobile and Modular

Each section is self-supporting and can be used separately for smaller needs. Full setup of the laboratory can be accomplished in less than one hour.

Each lab features:

• Reachback capability
• Full data sharing
• Dust- and light-proof
• Generator or shore power
• Air conditioning and heat
• Access-controlled entryway
• Min. of 33 hours on a single tank of diesel fuel

Forensic Capabilities: When and Where You Need Them

The deployable forensic laboratories have been used to provide rapid response to an urgent need by agencies such as the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Police Department and the Michigan State Police.  The units have been deployed to provide at-the-ready setup to replace facilities lost due to floods or during facilities renovation. 

They can also be used to expand the capabilities of the warfighter in gathering forensic intelligence, to respond to a natural disaster or an accidental incident, and as a force multiplier to support existing forensic operations or supplement a functional laboratory in an effort to reduce case backlog.