Final answer:
The first functional crime laboratory was founded in Lyons, France, directed by forensic pioneer Edmond Locard. His work established what is now known as Locard's Exchange Principle, and his laboratory set the standard for modern forensics, including contemporary DNA profiling techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first functional crime laboratory in the world was established in Lyons, France, under the direction of Edmond Locard (1877-1966). Locard was a pioneering forensic scientist who formulated the basic principle of forensic science: "Every contact leaves a trace." This concept later became known as Locard's Exchange Principle, which posits that criminals always leave behind traces of their presence at a crime scene that can be used as evidence. Locard's contributions to the field are foundational and his methods are still used today, with modern enhancements such as DNA profiling as seen in the DNA extraction room at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, depicted in Figure 1.13.
Locard's laboratory in Lyons became a model for future forensic science laboratories around the world. His work at this facility paved the way for the acceptance of scientific methods in criminal investigations, which continue to play a critical role in law enforcement and the justice system. The lab started small but quickly became an essential asset in the world of criminology and forensic science.