Current Articles
Senator Leahy's IAI NAS Response
Science & The Law: Forensic Science Needs a Major Overhaul, Panel Says View article
The Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science Community will release its report, "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward," at a public briefing at 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. The briefing will be held in the lecture room at the National Academy of Sciences Building, 2100 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Seating is limited. If you plan to attend, please send an e-mail to skendall@nas.edu. Those who cannot attend may listen to a live audio webcast and submit questions using an e-mail form at: www.national-academies.org. At the time of release, the report will be made available online at: www.nap.edu.
Updated NAS report released 2-19-2009: NAS Memo to IAI Members
Below is an article concerning the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report that will be released soon. This is from the New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/05forensics.html?_r=1&th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print
Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community
Congress called for the creation of an independent forensic science committee at the National Academy of Sciences to: "(1) assess the present and future resource needs of the forensic science community, to include state and local crime labs, medical examiners, and coroners; (2) make recommendations for maximizing the use of forensic technologies and techniques to solve crimes, investigate deaths, and protect the public; (3) identify potential scientific advances that may assist law enforcement in using forensic technologies and techniques to protect the public; (4) make recommendations for programs that will increase the number of qualified forensic scientists and medical examiners available to work in public crime laboratories; (5) disseminate best practices and guidelines concerning the collection and analysis of forensic evidence to help ensure quality and consistency in the use of forensic technologies and techniques to solve crimes, investigate deaths, and protect the public; (6) examine the role of the forensic community in the homeland security mission; (7) examine the interoperability of Automated Fingerprint Information Systems; and (8) examine additional issues pertaining to forensic science as determined by the Committee."
The study is sponsored by the National Institute of Justice.
The approximate start date is September 1, 2006.
A report will be issued at the end of the study.
Update 2-7-08: A report will be issued at the end of the project in Summer, 2008.
Update 10-29-08: The project duration has been extended. The report is expected to be issued by February 2009.
Update 1-22-09: The report is expected to be issued in mid to late February 2009.
NIST/TSWG Proposal Sumbmissions due 11/5/08.
Portrait: As a forensic sketch artist, Jean Curtit uses her talents to give a face to the nameless
Jean Curtit's eye for detail, desire to help others and passion for forensic art have taken her in many directions throughout her life.
From obtaining a degree in chiropractic medicine, to working as a latent fingerprint examiner for the Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Lab, to volunteering as a forensic sketch artist, Curtit has a diversified background - which is useful in her endeavors to help others.
MISSOURI
Crime lab becoming reality
SPRINGFIELD NEWS-LEADER http://www.news-leader.com
05/29/08
Amos Bridges
"...After an hour-long tour of the regional crime lab being built in downtown Springfield, city and county officials on Wednesday treated their counterparts from surrounding communities to a simple meal of sandwiches and cookies.
"Then came the pitch.
"Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore extolled the benefits the crime lab will bring to area law enforcement, prosecutors and crime victims in southwest Missouri: Fewer delays. Swifter justice...."
MISSOURI
Officials in dispute over comparing bullets
SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN http://www.semissourian.com
06/01/08
Bridget DiCosmo
"When Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter and detective Branden Caid received information from witnesses that the same gun used in the 1992 homicide of Angela M. Lawless in Benton, Mo., may have been the murder weapon in a 1994 murder-for-hire case, they asked the Southeast Missouri Regional Crime Lab to compare ballistic analysis reports to check for similarities....
"The request was met with resistance when local and state law enforcement agencies became tangled in a dispute..."
IAI Standing Committees (2007 - 2008) 
IAI Position concerning Latent Fingerprint Identification (11-29-07)