Forensic Science Center sponsors symposium
Herald-Dispatch (West Virginia)
October 8, 2006
HUNTINGTON -- The Marshall University Forensic Science Center sponsored the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors' 34th Annual Workshop and Symposium, a national meeting this week in San Francisco addressing current issues impacting forensic laboratories.
Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp, along with three other speakers, kicked off the symposium with welcome and opening remarks.
The program included information on pertinent issues and training for laboratory directors, administrators and policy makers. The meeting will provide updates on federal legislation and grants, recent court decisions, technical working groups and other issues that impact crime laboratories.
Topics of discussion included case backlogs that cause significant delays in evidentiary analysis, which directly impact the investigation and solving of crimes and causes delays in the courts. Delays can affect the prosecution of the criminal and exoneration of the innocent.
The Forensic Science Center was sponsoring the workshops and symposium in support of the national forensic science community as a member of the Forensic Resource Network, a program of the NIJ. The Forensic Science Center provides DNA testing and training services in support of state and local forensic laboratories and medical examiners though a cooperative agreement administered by the NIJ. DNA laboratory services provided in support of reducing backlogs include forensic casework, databasing, paternity/relationship testing and human identification through medical examiners.