Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces Crime Laboratory Review Commission, Enhances Public Safety
JEFFERSON CITY–Building on his effort to strengthen the state's crime laboratories, Gov. Matt Blunt announced that he will appoint a six member commission through executive order 07-16 to review and assess the ability of state funded forensic laboratories to provide quality services in a timely manner to law enforcement.
As an advocate for improving the effectiveness of government spending, Gov. Blunt has determined that only laboratories providing exceptional services will continue to receive state funding.
"The ability of law enforcement to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes depends greatly on the accuracy of forensic services carried out by crime labs," Blunt said. "It must be a Missouri priority to ensure that our law enforcement officials are given the highest quality of analysis from state funded laboratories to make Missouri safer."
The six panel commission will consist of one senior manager from an ASCLD/LAB accredited crime laboratory within the state who has experience as a forensic scientist, one sworn administrator from a law enforcement agency, one prosecuting attorney, one defense attorney, one crime victims' advocate, and one representative of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
The commission will issue a report to the Department of Public Safety outlining any findings of negligence or misconduct within a crime laboratory and make recommendations regarding changes in procedures. The six member group will also continue to meet and provide an annual report to the governor summarizing its activities and suggestions to improve the crime laboratory system in Missouri.
As governor, Blunt is committed to enhancing crime labs and expediting the time it takes to get criminals off the streets. Missouri State Highway Patrol crime lab system receives over 23,000 criminal cases a year. This week the governor announced his plan for a new state crime lab with the City of Springfield which will increase forensic analysis by 30 percent and add another state accredited crime lab. Joplin and Cape Girardeau is currently merging with the Missouri State Highway Patrol crime lab system which will bring efficiency, accountable and expanded services to help better protect Missourians.
Any findings of misconduct or negligence by the commission will be grounds for revocation or suspension of grant funds.