HENDERSON, NEVADA – On February 18, 2009, The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a detailed report – “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward”. The 253 page document, the result of a study authorized by Congress, cited numerous critical problems with crime laboratories and forensic science applications throughout the U.S.
Many of the problems listed in the report are directly applicable to issues in crime laboratories and related forensic evidence analysis in several Nevada organizations.
Some concerns explained in the report include: crime laboratory funding and manpower shortages, insufficient training, lack of nationwide application of standards, and bias due to direct supervision of crime labs by law enforcement organizations; to name just a few.
“I strongly urge the public forensic laboratories and applicable law enforcement agencies (and their parent organizations) in Nevada to immediately begin the planning and implementation of changes regarding the “core ideas and principles” in the recommendations of the NAS report”, asserted Rick Workman, Chairman of Friends of Henderson CSI.
Workman believes the first step we can take in Nevada is one of the easiest to accomplish quickly, albeit possibly the most difficult to comprehend or accept among the thirteen recommendations in the report: “To improve the scientific basis of forensic science examination and to maximize independence or autonomy … removing all public forensic laboratories and facilities from the administrative control of law enforcement agencies…”
Some agencies and crime lab managers may call this step “fiscally impossible”. However, the dilemma for crime labs and individuals in the forensic science disciplines may be compared with that of a battered woman who has suffered from domestic violence and abuse for many years. She may take a continual beating, be yelled at when she “causes trouble”, be forced to sleep in a small dark room, and may not be allowed to buy enough food or adequate clothing; but when all seems hopeless, she thinks about the roof over her head and the fact that her children at least have a “safe” place to call home. It is difficult for the woman, although tired and beaten, to contemplate taking the children with her and leaving for a more productive life.
“This change can and must be accomplished quickly if there is a sincere desire to strengthen forensic science and move forward. Once this first step forward has been made, crime labs will be better able to compete for and receive funding for critical needs such as personnel, training, equipment, and facilities”, Workman added.
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on March 18, 2009, to examine the report. The Committee is expected to hold additional hearings to determine what needs to be done and the best way to accomplish it without delay
An online version of the report may be read, or a full report obtained at:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12589
A PDF  version of the executive summaryis provided here: 
 Click for the free Adobe Reader
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About the Friends of Henderson CSI
The "Friends of Henderson CSI" was established in Henderson, Nevada, to raise private funds to build, equip and support a publicly-operated Forensic Science Center (forensic crime laboratory). When the Center is operational we will solve more crimes, prevent crime, help exonerate the innocent, and save lives. The facility is expected to be located in Henderson, but will play a critical role in the overall safety and security of the entire Las Vegas Valley and southern Nevada. The Center’s resources will be used to assist other crime laboratories and law enforcement agencies in every way possible.
Community leaders, businesses and residents are encouraged to support this critical project. Additional information on this project is available at www.NevadaCSI.com
All financial contributions are managed by the Henderson Community Foundation,a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation registered as a Public Charity with the IRS, Federal Tax ID # 45-0489163, www.HendersonCF.org
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