THE CRIME LAB MINUTE

February 4, 2008

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Invitation to ASCLD President's Reception

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

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Announcements

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

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.

Quick Symposium Reminder!
ASCLD's 36 th Annual Workshop and Symposium will be held September 14-18, 2008, at the Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown. The symposium information will be udpated at the ASCLD website shortly. Please save the date. We look forward to seeing everyone in Salt Lake City!

Forensic Science in the News

Texas
McAllen crime lab hires DNA supervisor despite cheating accusations
The Texas Department of Public Safety plans to stand behind a recent supervisor hire at the McAllen crime lab despite criticism stemming from allegations she helped former co-workers cheat on proficiency exams.

Connecticut
Anti-crime proposals will include funding for sharp boost in DNA sampling
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her budget proposals will include funding to take DNA samples from any person arraigned on a Class A or Class B felony charge as well as from anyone convicted of a felony, a crime against a minor, a violent or nonviolent sexual offense and certain Class A misdemeanors.

Virginia
Bill would require DNA info
A key lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require that felons be told that testable DNA has been discovered in their old state forensic-lab files.

National
More US cold case squads fight for life, funding
Cold case squads around the country are being cut back or eliminated as police departments face tightening budgets and shifting law enforcement priorities.

Michigan
A single piece of evidence cracks a cold case
The case hinged on a single piece of evidence - and the ingenuity of a Michigan State Police forensic scientist.

Canada
Smith admits bias for Crown
Disgraced pathologist Dr. Charles Smith admitted to a public inquiry yesterday he was biased in favor of prosecutors and child advocates.

Missouri
Modern tools help WWI museum officials reveal tank’s mystery
A team of forensic archaeologists may have produced a breakthrough by applying techniques familiar to audiences of the “CSI” television shows to discern markings on the side of a tank acquired by the National World War I Museum.

Wyoming
Backlog in Wyoming stalled DNA test in Susannah Chase homicide
DNA evidence could have been matched years ago if a Wyoming crime lab had been up to date in entering criminal samples into a federal database.

Great Britain
How new DNA techniques are cracking some of Britain's worst unsolved crimes
Since the initiative began in 2004, 36 other sex fiends, the majority of them rapists, have been jailed after being identified by DNA tests, and four more are awaiting trial.

Texas
HPD again shuts down crime lab's DNA unit
The Houston Police Department has once again shuttered the DNA division of its troubled crime lab, following the resignation of its chief and the suspension of two other employees, ending an investigation into an alleged cheating scandal.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts boosts public safety spending
Patrick's plan also includes increases for the State Police Crime Lab.