FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n
June 29, 2026<\/p>\n
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ORLANDO, Fla.\u00a0\u2013 The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is deepening its strategic public safety partnership with the University of Central Florida by embedding experts at UCF\u2019s Academic Health Sciences Campus. Relocating FDLE\u2019s toxicology laboratory to the UCF facility in Lake Nona better connects academic-industry research, workforce development and forensic testing in one of the nation\u2019s fastest-growing medical and technology corridors.<\/p>\n
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Previously based in downtown Orlando, the FDLE Orlando Toxicology Lab handles approximately 10,000 cases per year. Working more closely with UCF in Lake Nona supports FDLE\u2019s mission to deliver timely, high-quality forensic testing for law enforcement agencies across Central Florida and the state, helping investigators and prosecutors rely on sound science in pursuit of justice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u201cThis partnership reflects what UCF was built to do \u2014 bring talent, technology and applied research together in service to Florida,\u201d says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. \u201cBy welcoming the FDLE Orlando Toxicology Lab to UCF\u2019s Academic Health Sciences Campus, we are bringing state forensic operations closer to faculty expertise and future workforce, creating opportunities to make smarter use of public resources while strengthening the knowledge, talent and tools available to keep Floridians safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0FDLE leaders say the partnership reflects a broader strategy to modernize forensic services while building a strong talent pipeline.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cThrough this partnership between FDLE and UCF, we are investing in the future of forensic science,\u201d says FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. \u201cThis partnership enhances our ability to recruit highly trained forensic scientists, develop new techniques and deliver timely, high-quality results to law enforcement agencies for investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research Driving Real-World Impact
\u00a0Now part of Lake Nona Medical City, FDLE experts will benefit from proximity to UCF researchers as they \u2014 together \u2014 aim to strengthen the region\u2019s role as a hub for biomedical research, health innovation and forensic science. This includes work to advance drug detection methods, study emerging synthetic substances, improve toxicology workflows and develop faster analytical tools to support criminal investigations.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe closer our researchers are to operational labs, the more responsive and impactful their work becomes,\u201d says Jack Ballantyne, UCF chemistry professor and director of the National Center for Forensic Science. \u201cWe\u2019re able to identify challenges in real time and immediately begin working on solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
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From Classroom to Crime Lab
\u00a0Over the years, numerous UCF alums have built impactful careers at FDLE. Many credit their hands-on training, research opportunities and mentorship at UCF, as well as guest speakers from FDLE, for preparing them to excel in high-stakes forensic environments.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI was lucky enough to complete my internship with FDLE Toxicology, where I was able to experience firsthand what the day-to-day workflow is like before graduating,\u201d says Lauren McCool \u201915, a UCF forensic science alum and FDLE crime laboratory analyst who remains engaged with UCF as an FDLE guest lecturer. \u201cWhen I began my career with FDLE I was able to navigate the laboratory with confidence due to the real-world and hands-on experience I had at UCF.\u201d<\/p>\n
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With FDLE\u2019s new proximity, students will have even greater access to internships, experiential learning and professional networking \u2014 accelerating the pathway from classroom to career and helping prepare more graduates for forensic science roles that serve Florida\u2019s communities.\u00a0
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Leading Forensic Science Education<\/p>\n
UCF brings the academic depth, research capacity and student pipeline needed to support FDLE\u2019s long-term forensic science needs. The partnership reinforces UCF\u2019s role as Florida\u2019s Technological University and a national leader in forensic science education and research.<\/p>\n
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UCF ranks No. 6 in the nation for Bachelor\u2019s in Forensic Science Degree Programs, according to CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com. UCF\u2019s\u00a0undergraduate<\/a>\u00a0program was established in 1974, making it one of the oldest forensic science programs in the country. About 500 students are currently enrolled across UCF\u2019s\u00a0bachelor\u2019s,\u00a0master\u2019s\u00a0and\u00a0doctoral\u00a0forensic science degree offerings.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Law Enforcement<\/a>\u00a0(FDLE) is Florida\u2019s premier law enforcement agency guided by four fundamental values of Service, Integrity, Respect, and Quality. FDLE is headed by a commissioner who is appointed by the Governor, approved by the Cabinet and confirmed by the Senate. FDLE employs about 2,000 members statewide who work at the headquarters in Tallahassee or one of seven Regional Operations Centers located around the state.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Established in 1997, the National Center for Forensic Science, based in Central Florida Research Park, is made up of UCF faculty and staff whose research touches everything from DNA analysis to chemical analysis of trace evidence.\u00a0Their work often contributes to industry-wide advancements in forensic science. This includes research earlier this year on the \u201cfantastic four\u201d chemical standards to provide a consistent and critical reference point for forensic anthropology and toxicology work.<\/p>\n