Baltimore Police Crime Lab named a top-performing forensic laboratory with 2024 Foresight Maximus Award

Baltimore, MD. (June 2, 2025) — The Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) Crime Lab has been recognized as a top-performing forensic laboratory, receiving the prestigious 2024 FORESIGHT Maximus Award. The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) named fourteen forensic laboratories as recipients of the 2024 award, for operating at or above 90% peak efficiency.

“I want to thank the members of BPD’s Crime Lab for their hard work and dedication in providing excellent analysis to aid in investigations and prosecutions,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “Our Crime Lab is an integral partner to our detectives, whose work often ties cases and investigations together. Together, their efforts have contributed to increased clearance rates, many above the national average. I am proud of their continued excellence and extend my congratulations to Chief DellaRocco and all members of the Crime Lab.”

This year, Project FORESIGHT received more than 220 submissions from forensic laboratories, medical examiners, and coroner offices. BPD’s Crime Lab was the only lab in the State of Maryland to be recognized and one of only two major city crime labs nationwide to receive the 2024 award.

“Baltimore is proud to be home to one of the nation’s top-performing forensic laboratories,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work and innovation happening every day inside our Crime Lab and on our streets. I commend the dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to excellence and public safety, and for their ongoing contributions to building a safer, stronger Baltimore.”

The FORESIGHT Maximus Award, established in 2007, is a business-guided evaluation of forensic science laboratories. While the program began with U.S. based agencies, it has since expanded to include laboratories from around the world. The award honors peak-performing laboratories each year at ASCLD’s Annual Symposium. More information about this year’s winners can be found here.

“The Baltimore Police Department’s Crime Lab is critical for maintaining the integrity of our criminal justice system and our efforts to reduce crime. This prestigious national recognition is a testament to the Lab’s relentless pursuit of excellence and their unwavering dedication to justice,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Their exceptional work not only empowers us to construct robust cases for prosecution but also significantly enhances our capacity to deliver justice for victims, ensuring that offenders are held accountable. I extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to this remarkable team on their well-deserved honor.”

BPD’s Crime Lab, officially known as the Forensic Science and Evidence Services Division, is led by Chief Rana DellaRocco, a 27-year veteran of the Police Department. The division is composed of 15 different laboratories, field operations and evidence and case management services, covering everything from crime scene sciences and laboratory analysis to community outreach and quality assurance. It has one of the largest scopes of accreditation in the United States and annually hosts more than 300 guests from around the world.

“The prestigious FORESIGHT Maximus award validates the relentless effort and dedication shown by every single member of our team.  We strive to exceed expectations in every aspect of our work.  This honor highlights our focus on delivering the most accurate and efficient forensic science results in support of the citizens of Baltimore.  We are thrilled to be recognized and fully intend to repeat in 2025!” said Chief Rana DellaRocco.

This summer, the Crime Lab will host its 2nd Annual Forensic Science Summer Academy with Loyola University Maryland for high school students, free of charge. In addition, the lab will launch a Forensic Workshop for local educators across the state to support the teaching of forensic science to students interested in pursuing careers in the field.

BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.

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