Glendale Police Foundation donates DNA sterilization equipment to regional crime laboratory

The Glendale Police Foundation recently donated a vital piece of DNA sterilization equipment to the Police Department’s regional crime laboratory, officials said.

The sterilizing hood will allow forensic specialists to work with DNA evidence without having to worry about contamination. Ultraviolet light inside in a hood, which is enclosed by Plexiglas, sterilizes evidence.

The hood costs about $5,000, according to Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz.

The Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory will serve Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, allowing for faster processing of crime-scene evidence.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) secured federal funding for the lab, which was intended to relieve a DNA-testing backlog for violent and property crimes.

-- Veronica Rocha, veronica.rocha@latimes.com

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