WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The Warner Robins Forensics Lab (WRFL) is playing a crucial role in solving crimes and supporting law enforcement by utilizing cutting-edge forensic technology.
The lab, which is part of the Warner Robins Police Department, performs scientific analyses on physical, chemical, biological, and digital evidence.
“We provide accurate and timely forensic services to the criminal justice community, our local law enforcement partners, and the City of Warner Robins,” said Sergeant Antonio Vallio of the Warner Robins Police Department. “From crime scene investigations to toxicology and digital forensics, our goal is to ensure the highest level of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.”
The WRFL offers a wide range of services, including crime scene investigations, latent print analysis, digital forensics for mobile devices, and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) toxicology.
The lab is accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, an international recognition for forensic testing and calibration, which is vetted by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This accreditation ensures the lab meets rigorous standards required by organizations like the FBI and the Department of Justice.
The lab also contributes to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) by collecting and analyzing crime cartridge casings, helping connect firearms to criminal cases.
“We process fingerprints, test fire crime firearms, and even conduct mobile extractions and analyses,” Vallio said. “We also have different areas where we test blood samples and we are able to find out a lot from that.”
Looking ahead, the WRFL has expansion plans. By 2025, the lab aims to add services such as trace analysis, computer forensics, and firearms and toolmark examination. They will also apply for ANAB accreditation in Crime Scene and Seized Drugs analysis.
“We’re continually working to achieve full accreditation in all areas within the lab,” Vallio said. “It’ll be a challenge. But we have confidence in it.”
Much of the lab’s current success can be credited to retired Captain John Miller Lanneau, who dedicated nearly three decades of service to Warner Robins and the forensic sciences. Vallio says his efforts helped lay the foundation for the lab’s future growth and development. As the WRFL continues to grow, its role in local criminal investigations will only increase.
"We’re fortunate to have strong backing, and we look forward to expanding our services and enhancing the support we provide to our community,” Vallio said. “We have tremendous support from Mayor Patrick and the councilmembers.”
Vallio says with more services planned and further accreditations on the horizon, the WRFL is set to become an even more essential resource in the fight against crime in Warner Robins.