RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina's top crime laboratory is being recognized for quality work.

The Attorney General's office received word this week that the state crime laboratory has been accredited under tough new international standards. That comes in addition to being accredited by the nation's largest accrediting group.

Attorney General Roy Cooper says quality work by the crime laboratory is critical to solving crimes.

The laboratory analyzes crime scene evidence including digital evidence, drugs, DNA, firearms, fingerprints, hair and fibers. Analysis by forensic scientists working for the laboratory can pinpoint suspects and exonerate the innocent.

The state crime lab has three facilities. The main one is in Raleigh, with regional laboratories in Greensboro and Asheville.