National Forensic Science Week: Inside look of WPD crime lab

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you are a fan of forensic files or other crime dramas the Wilmington Police Department is letting neighbors see first hand how they process crime scene evidence.

The department hosted a crime lab tour this afternoon. The lab has gone from one to 15 employees since 2009.

WPD says it hosts some of the most state of the art tests compared to neighboring law enforcement agencies.

It’s national forensic science week and the department is showing off these tools to the public. The lab helps law enforcement agencies in multiple nearby counties with drug and blood alcohol processing.

“It’s so important with the taxpayers they pay for what we do and so we’re accountable to them,” Bethany Pridgen, forensic lab director, said. “We’re busy and the public is busy so to have that opportunity to hit the pause button and say hey here’s what we’re doing and here’s how proud we are and how good we are is a great opportunity.”

Wilmington Police will also host a night for students on Wednesday and kids safety event Thursday.

To RSVP  to events, which are first-come, first-served, contact Kim Breeden at 910-409-9484 or kim.breeden@wilmingtonnc.gov.