Organization, Facilities and Funding

Organization

Membership in the Maples Center is open to individuals and organizations interested in the applicable medico-legal disciplines in the forensic sciences. This includes a wide range of individuals at the University of Florida, in the SUS, in statewide offices of the Medical Examiner, in local and statewide law enforcement agencies and laboratories, and in schools, youth groups, and rehabilitation.

The C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory

Forensic anthropology is the branch of physical or biological anthropology used to identify skeletal or otherwise unidentifiable remains known to be, or thought to be, or suspected of being human. Forensic anthropologists analyze human skeletal remains for determination of age, race, sex, stature and any skeletal peculiarities which may aid in positive identification and trauma analysis of the remains.

The C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory was formally established in 1991 as an extension of the Florida Museum of Natural History devoted solely to the practice of forensic anthropology. The lab occupies 2400 sq. ft. with separate laboratory, graduate student, administrative, and conference areas. Under the direction of the late William R. Maples, the C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory became the premier forensic anthropology laboratory in the country providing analyses of human skeletal remains to all 24 medical examiner districts in the State of Florida. In addition, the laboratory provides forensic anthropological services to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the United States Army Central Identification Laboratory, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Federal Aviation Agency, the National Disaster Medical Systems DMORT teams, the New York State Police Forensic Sciences Unit, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner.

In 1996, the C. A. Pound Laboratory moved to the Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Although service to the State of Florida and outside agencies continue to be the major focus of the laboratory, interaction and coordination of graduate student education with members of the teaching faculty has increased dramatically. Graduate students work closely with the Director in all aspects of casework including search and recovery of human remains at clandestine sites. The University of Florida is one of only two universities in the U.S. to offer the doctoral degree with a concentration in forensic anthropology.

UFDRL Forensic Toxicology Laboratory

Forensic toxicology is the application of toxicology for medico-legal purposes. The specific aim of post-mortem forensic toxicology testing is the determination of the absence or presence of drugs and their metabolites, chemicals such as ethanol and other volatile substances, carbon monoxide and other gases, and other toxic chemicals in human fluids and tissues. The results of laboratory testing are reported to the medical examiner, who is responsible for evaluating the role of these substances as a determinant or contributing factor in the cause and manner of death.

The UF Diagnostic Referral Laboratory (UFDRL) was formally established in the early 1990's as a referral laboratory practicing within the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine in UF's College of Medicine. It operates at an off-site (leased) laboratory facility that is located less than one mile from the UF Health Sciences Center. Approximately 1000 sq. ft. of laboratory space within the UFDRL is dedicated to the Forensic and Human Toxicology Laboratories. Additional space is available for administrative support. In recent years, the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory has extended its services to about one-third of the Medical Examiner Districts within the State of Florida. The laboratory also provides toxicological services and consultation services to private industry and law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Florida. The laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.The University of Florida is one of a few universities in the U.S. to offer masters of science and doctoral degrees with a concentration in forensic toxicology. In addition, the laboratory provides hands-on training and research facilities for UF College of Medicine pathology residents, graduate students, and others interested in the field of the Forensic Medicine.

Funding

The C. A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory is funded through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, private donations, and extramural grants. Medical Examiners and law enforcement agencies in the State of Florida are provided free services for all cases originating within the state. At least one large agency, Metro-Dade, is under separate contract due to its extensive caseload and special educational requirements. Resources from expert testimony by laboratory personnel are returned to the lab in the form of donations to Foundation accounts, and the purchase of additional equipment. The current funding structure covers all salaries, operating expenses, and acquisitions used for teaching and research.

The UFDRL Forensic Toxicology Laboratory is funded through the College of Medicine and a number of State, Federal, and private sources. The laboratory operates as a fee-for-service organization for its affiliated State of Florida Medical Examiner Districts and revenue is used to support all operational expenses including salary, supplies, and administrative overhead. Contracted research in the area of human toxicology is funded through outside sources including instrument and reagent manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.