The Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam (previously Forensic Science Laboratory, Assam) was established in Shillong, the former capital of undivided Assam in 1967. After two years of its establishment it was shifted to Guwahati. Late Dr. J. K. Borooah was the founder Director of this Laboratory and it has a permanent campus in Kahilipara, Guwahati. In the earlier years it was functioning under the Director General of Police, Assam. A separate Directorate of Forensic Science has been created in 2005 under the administrative control of Home Department, Govt. of Assam and it was functionally separated from the control of Assam Police since then.
Forensic Science has now been considered as a vital and integral component of the criminal justice system. Forensic Science provides latest methods of science and technology to the investigating agencies for successful investigation of crime. Forensic Scientists analyze the physical exhibits left at the crime scene, recovered from the suspected criminal and the findings of the forensic scientist link crime with the criminal. Forensic scientists also play an important role in homeland security.
The service of this Laboratory is utilized by various investigating agencies for the Administration of criminal justice delivery system. In addition to those, other organizations like Army, B.S.F., NF Railway, Commercial Banks, Medical Colleges, Customs, Central Excise, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Veterinary, Forest Department, Public and Private Sector Undertaking like Oil India Ltd., ONGC, Refinery etc. are also utilizing the service of this Laboratory. The Excise Department of North Eastern States has been utilizing the testing facilities available in this Laboratory for Criminal Justice Administration process.
The Directorate of Forensic Science, Assam is also expanding its horizon to educational field. Large number of students from premier institutes like Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, National Institute of Technology, Silchar, SRM University Chennai, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati Medical College, National Institute of Technology, Patiala University, Allahabad University and Amity University etc. has successfully completed project works in this Directorate. Forensic scientists from this Directorate regularly deliver lectures on Forensic Science at different premier institutes across the North-East and also across the country.