THE CRIME LAB MINUTE

February 11, 2008

Attention Subscribers - Please click here to view entire newsletter with graphics.

Final Invitation to ASCLD President's Reception (AAFS)

To All ASCLD Members:  

I would like to extend my personal invitation to you to attend the ASCLD President’s Reception that will be held in conjunction with the 2008 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Washington D.C. This will take place on Monday, February 18, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Thurgood Marshall Northeast room at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. This will be noted in the meeting program.

This networking event provides the opportunity to meet and socialize with other laboratory managers in a relaxed and convivial setting. Please pass this invitation on to other managers in your jurisdiction who might be interested in learning more about ASCLD or in joining our organization.

I look forward to seeing you later this month.

Best Regards,

Stephanie Reilander
President

Go to ASCLD Home Page....

Announcements

Click here to email an announcement for posting in the Crime Lab Minute.

The Department of Medical Education supports continuing medical education for physicians and professionals in other related medical disciplines by providing specialty information and advances in research and technology in the study of pathophysiology of disease. Click here to view our Upcoming Course information, Internet Courses and information on courses held within the last year.

The Briggs White Award nominating committee is accepting nominations for our award, which annually recognizes a member of ASCLD who has made significant contributions to our association and the profession of forensic science. Please click the Briggs White link at the ASCLD home page for forms and instructions.

Forensic Science in the News

Oklahoma

Oklahoma State U. forensic science program received accreditation
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences granted the accreditation after a lengthy audit process.

New Hampshire

Case backlog at crime lab
The New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory has been scrambling to chip away at a heaping pile of unsolved crimes, but the chance of clearing the thousands of backlogged cases remains slim.

Washington, D.C. (Editorial)

"Innocence Politics" weighs heavy on Senate hearing - and the law
Is forensic science really a leading cause of wrongful convictions? Are wrongful convictions really as frequent as they seem? The Innocence Project was represented by Peter Neufeld at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine the Department of Justice's administration of forensic science grants.

Nevada

County: Help us in hunt for DNA
Washoe County authorities are appealing to the private sector for $150,000 to allow a backlog of roughly 3,000 DNA samples from convicted offenders to be processed.

DNA backlog donations at $70000

Donations to eliminate a DNA backlog at the Washoe County Crime Laboratory increased to $70,000

Canada

"Cops in lab coats"

If forensic pathologists become 'cops in lab coats' they may not be serving justice -- just the prosecution.

Kentucky

Intoxilyzer code must be disclosed

An appeals court in Kentucky rules that the manufacturer of the Intoxilyzer 5000EN must turn over the device's source code to a man charged with drunken driving.