The Division of Scientific Services began as the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification. It operated from 1935 to 1975 in the Troop I Barracks in Bethany, Connecticut. The Troopers' forensic services were limited to photography, fingerprints, and firearms tests.
In 1975, the late Governor Ella T. Grasso appointed Dr. Henry Lee as the Chief Criminalist for Connecticut. During Dr. Lee's tenure, the forensic services were expanded. The lab was moved from Bethany to Building 10, a dormitory on the Mulcahy Complex in Meriden, Connecticut. The complex had been built in the late 1800’s as the “Connecticut School for the Boys.”
The demand for Forensic Laboratory Service grew in the State. As new technologies were added, the lab soon outgrew the building. In 1994, the 22,000 square foot Phase 1 of the current building opened. It became home to the following sections:
- Criminalistics
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- DNA
- Trace
- Instrumentation
- Chemistry
- Arson
- Evidence Receiving
Also, a classroom in the building was used to train local and state law enforcement.
In 1998, a major expansion of the building opened as "Phase 2." It allowed the Laboratory's Identification Sections (Firearms, Fingerprints, Image Analysis, Documents, and Imprints) to move into the same building. Phase II added 26,000 square feet to Phase I. It included an amphitheater, a lower level, and an addition to the main floor.
In 2000, the Lab expanded by adding the Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory (CCEEL). The new area focused on examining computers and other devices for child pornography. It was staffed by State Police personnel trained in computer forensics.
Before 1982, breath-alcohol testing for "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) was done by analyzing breath samples collected in the field. In 1982, the state began using "breath alcohol" tests at police stations and State Police barracks for DUI investigations.
In 2007, the Toxicology and Controlled Substances Laboratory was independently accredited by ASCLD/LAB (American Society of Crime Lab Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board).
In 2010, a 21,750 square foot expansion of the Forensic Laboratory of the Division of Scientific Services was opened as "Phase III." The Toxicology/Controlled Substances and Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratories were moved to this facility. The addition brought the lab space to 69,750 square feet.
In June 2012, Governor Dannel Malloy's new law reorganized the DSS crime lab. It now works independently of the Connecticut State Police. The lab's Director reports directly to the DESPP Commissioner.