THE CRIME LAB MINUTE
October 15, 2007
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Announcement
"When Forensics Fail," a two-part series airs on Thursday, October 18th and 25th at 10 p.m. CT on MSNBC. The program looks at criminal cases in which forensic errors lead to wrongful convictions. According to MSNBC, in many cases of wrongful convictions, human error is to blame, but in others it's unreliable science; recent discoveries are beginning to undermine forensic procedures that were once considered foolproof. Please check your local listings to confirm dates and times.
A new public-policy and media-monitoring website, www.CrimeLabReport.com, was announced at the International Forensic Business & Ecomonics Colloquium immediately following the ASCLD symposium. ASCLD members were invited to submit commentaries and manuscpripts for publication. This independent organization was formed to provide accurate information about the forensic sciences and respond to mischaracterizations that have frequently made news headlines in recent years. Please click here to visit Crime Lab Report.
Materials from the 2007 ASCLD Symposium in Orlando are being posted on the symposium page at the ASCLD website.
Forensic Science in the News
Missouri
Funding expected for crime lab training
Funding for seven new Springfield crime lab members is expected to be in next year's budget after Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt announced that he will recommend $576,219 to train the final third of the lab's staff.
Texas
2 sought in killing of ex-crime lab employee
One day after a former Houston Police Department crime lab employee was found shot to death in a southeast Harris County grocery store parking lot, authorities Thursday continued to search for the two gunmen witnesses say killed the man.
New York
More Money for Crime Lab
Erie county officials announced more money is on the way to hire two new DNA Specialists and new technology to help better test DNA evidence.
Texas
Criminals free because of state crime lab delays
Due to a massive backlog in processing lab requests at DPS crime labs, many local police agencies claim the state has them practically handcuffed from completing criminal investigations.
Canada
Insects exonerate murder suspect after 48 years
One of Canada’s most notorious murder cases was overturned last month, thanks in part to the testimony of a Michigan State forensic entomologist whose creed is “bugs don’t lie.”
Texas
Probe targets HPD's crime lab proficiency test
The Houston Police Department's scandal-plagued crime lab now faces another allegation — that several employees cheated on a proficiency test.
Great Britain
Police warn of 'DNA turf war'
Criminals are free to re-offend because a bureaucratic "turf war" is delaying the use of new forensic technology, police have warned.
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