THE CRIME LAB MINUTE

March 10 , 2008

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Announcements

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

Congratulations to ASCLD member Barry Fisher who was recently awarded the prestigious Gradwohl Medallion, an honor bestowed by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in recognition of "attaining exceptional distinction in advancing the forensic sciences and offering outstanding service to the profession and the professional society."

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

Arizona
Law, business schools share professor's expertise
A prominent researcher and critic of crime labs has joined the faculties of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

District of Columbia
REPORT ADVISES AGAINST NEW NATIONAL DATABASE OF BALLISTIC IMAGES
A national database containing images of ballistic markings from all new and imported guns sold in the U.S. should not be created at this time, says a new report.

Texas
November's DA race likely to break barrier
The race for DA could mean changes for forensic science in Houston.

Nebraska
State Patrol won't test drugs at North Platte lab
State patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins says the decision to close the lab's drug-testing division was based on financial reasons.

Washington
DNA Database Key to More Arrests
A database of DNA samples from convicted felons has paid off with more arrests in serious crimes investigations.

Minnesota
Funding for proposed Anoka County crime lab fails to make it into House bill.
The House Public Safety Committee chairman was worried that a growth in the number of regional crime labs could drive up the cost of hiring technicians in Minnesota.

Colorado
Chiefs, sheriffs working for combined crime lab
A group of regional law enforcement brass hopes to combine forces to develop a crime lab that will turn around DNA test results faster and for more types of crimes.

New York
Cramped crime lab still far cry from 'CSI'
More than three years after a task force was established to look at the need for a new Public Safety Laboratory, the county has raised only $5.3 million for the $30 million project.

Mississippi
Officials call for improved DNA criminal testing
State Attorney General Jim Hood said a key way to prevent wrongful convictions is to upgrade how Mississippi processes DNA evidence.

Illinois
State effort to improve DNA database could offer a boost
Attorney General Lisa Madigan has formed a task force to track down the tens of thousands of state felons whose DNA is missing from the Illinois DNA database.

Louisiana
Red Tape Burying Forensic Science Center
Despite state lawmakers approving 15-million dollars for the project, getting the money and the 'ball rolling' is described as becoming more art than science.