Graphic of a blue block spacer
Graphic of the FBI Seal and U.S. Flag
 
Graphic link to FBI Priorities
Graphic link to About Us
Graphic link to Press Room
Graphic link to What We Investigate
Graphic link to Counterterrorism
Graphic link to Intelligence Program
Graphic link to Most Wanted
Graphic link to Your Local FBI Office
Graphic link to Law Enforcement Services
Graphic link to Reports and Publications
Graphic link to FBI History
Graphic link to For the Family
Graphic link to Freedom Of Iinformation Act Library / Requests
Graphic link to Employment
Graphic link to How Do I...?
Graphic link to Search

Graphic link to Homepage

 

Graphic link to Submit a Tip
Graphic link to Apply Today
Graphic link to Links
Graphic link to Contact Us
Graphic link to Site Map
Graphic link to Privacy Policy
Headline Archives
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FBI LABORATORY
71 years of crime detection

11/24/03

Birth of the FBI Technical Laboratory - Special Agent Charles Appel.

We have to admit straight out that November 24,1932, is a “declared” anniversary for what was really the evolution of the FBI Lab. From the 1920s on, Director Hoover was actively interested in scientific analysis, and by 1930 he had ordered the use of outside experts on a case-by-case basis in identification and evidence matters. Then, over a two-year period, the first true FBI “technical” laboratory functions began to take shape. When all these functions moved into Room 802 of the Old Southern Railway Building in Washington, DC, it seemed appropriate to recognize that a true lab had been born.

It was Special Agent Charles Appel who served as midwife. He had served as an aviator in World War I before joining the FBI in 1924—and right from the start he focused on meticulous investigations based on scientific detection. For about a year, he was the FBI’s one-man lab. His analysis of handwriting on the Lindbergh kidnapping ransom notes ultimately convicted Bruno Richard Hauptman. His handwriting and typewriter font analysis solved a poisoning case in 1933.

Appel was an extraordinary man with extraordinary vision, fully backed by Director Hoover with the necessary resources. When he proposed in July 1932 “a separate division for the handling of so-called crime prevention work” under which “the criminological research laboratory could be placed,” he got an immediate endorsement. By September, Room 802 was fully equipped. By November 24, it was in business.

How sophisticated was the new lab? Pretty sophisticated by 1932 standards:

  • A brand new ultra-violet light machine.
  • A microscope, on loan from Bausch and Lomb til the requisition for its purchase could be finalized.
  • A machine to examine the interior of gun barrels was on order.
  • Moulage kits (for taking impressions).
  • Wiretapping kits.
  • Photographic supplies.
  • Chemical sets.

What hath 71 years wrought? A lot, as you can imagine. Our laboratory just moved last year into a state-of-the-art building, and it is involved in every kind of forensic analysis (cryptanalysis, firearms and toolmarks, and latent fingerprints) and scientific analysis (chemistry, chemical biological sciences, DNA analysis, explosives, and trace evidence), with a strong research and development arm in both.

To find out more on all these areas, please visit:

Headline Archives

2004
-
January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August

- September

2003
-
July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December