Although only 10 States and the District of Columbia currently have statutorily created forensic science commissions, many more States have DNA commissions or informal advisory boards or are considering forming commissions. Existing State commissions vary significantly in their functions. Although this report is largely descriptive, detailing the experiences of current and past commission activities from various States, it also discusses "lessons learned" based on the experiences of States that have established a commission or other type of advisory board to address forensic science. This report notes that a State forensic science commission can have a positive role in improving the work of forensic laboratories in its jurisdictions. Four functions are outlined. One function is to prevent or mitigate problems in forensic science laboratories or systems in a role as the investigators of misconduct or professional negligence. A second function of such a commission would be to ensure that national standards are implemented in practices through an accreditation system. Another function could be the coordination of State or grant funding that addresses areas of need or opportunities to implement technological or operational innovations. A fourth function of State forensic science commissions could be to improve cooperation among forensic science laboratories and stakeholders. A discussion of planning for a State forensic science commission addresses legislative models, membership considerations, and staff and coordination. The functions of the commission in each of the 10 States are reviewed. Appended summary tables of State forensic science commissions
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Forensic Comparison and Matching of Fingerprints: Using Quantitative Image Measures for Estimating Error Rates Through Understanding and Predicting Difficulty
- Examining the Impact of Victimization on Girls' Delinquency: A Study of Direct and Indirect Effects
- An In-Depth Study Evaluating the Determination of CBD, Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, and 25 Additional Cannabinoids in Cannabis Concentrates by Liquid Chromatography with Absorbance Detection