Western Maryland Regional Crime Laboratory History

During the early 1980’s, two (2) City of Hagerstown police officers were trained in the identification of Marijuana through the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. These police officers also developed and printed investigatory photographs and "mug shots". The WMRCL began its existence as a full-service forensic drug identification laboratory after hiring a scientist/examiner in 1985. The laboratory started offering crime scene examination services in 1987. By the early 1990's, the development of friction ridge impressions on physical evidence (latent print processing) was being performed. Over the years, additional forensic disciplines have been added to the services offered by the laboratory, and additional staffing has been added.

The WMRCL is a support service operation of the City of Hagerstown Police Department and subsidized by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.