THE CRIME LAB MINUTE

November 26, 2007

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Forensic Science in the News

Florida
20 Years Later, Karen Tells Her DNA Story
In 1987, using DNA fingerprinting, or DNA typing, as it was being called, to conclusively identify someone using trace body fluid samples, was untested in a court of law anywhere in the U.S.  

Arizona
Forensic labs get guidance from state
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard created the Forensic Services Advisory Committee in hopes of synchronizing the labs as the need for their services grows.  

Oregon
Oregon man accused of hate crime in swastika painting
Fingerprints on a spray can point to a Klamath Falls man who has been accused of painting a 21-foot orange swastika and the words "No Jews" on a house under construction, investigators say.  

Alabama
State/University Partnership Means More Forensic Scientists, Hope ...
Alabama State officials say the new forensic sciences program at the school is a first of its kind at a historically black college or university.  

Michigan
Hope for crime lab?
With the impending closure of the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory in Sterling Heights looming, a state representative has introduced a plan to reallocate funds to keep the crime lab open. 

Great Britain
Computer forensic 'expert' witnesses, who is representing you?
Computer forensic experts deal with some of the most grave and serious of criminal cases that involve digital evidence. However it may be surprising to hear that currently there is no regulatory body to ensure the quality of their work, their security, and the expert’s individual’s background.  

Maine
Soon a 'CSI: Portland'
Six communities and Cumberland County say they are poised to establish a regional crime lab that would improve forensic analysis and foster greater coordination between police departments.  

Guam
$4.8M crime lab to be built
Guam is a step closer to having a new forensic crime laboratory to better process criminal evidence on island.  

Virginia
Silent Injustice
Series on the FBI Laboratory’s controversial lead bullet analysis.  

Virginia
FBI Laboratory to Increase Outreach in Bullet Lead Cases
The FBI has offered to work jointly with the Innocence Project, which has done legal research to identify criminal cases where bullet lead analysis has been introduced at trial.  

Texas
Councilmember calls for HPD crime lab investigation
Houston city leaders are reacting to the latest findings of troubles within the Houston Police Department’s crime lab.  

Texas
Another HPD lab whistleblower comes forward
Someone who works inside the Houston Police Department’s crime lab states there are still serious problems.