NCJ Number
10931
Date Published
1973
Length
274 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF A STATE-WIDE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY SYSTEM WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING ITS EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS.
Abstract
THE HISTORICAL EVENTS IN ALABAMA WHICH SHAPED THE GROWTH OF THE PRESENT CRIME LABORATORY SYSTEM ARE OUTLINED AND DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LABORATORIES PRESENTLY IN OPERATION IS PRESENTED. THE PRESENT STATUS OF THESE CRIME LABORATORIES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES, AS WELL AS TO AGENCIES IN THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY, IS DISCUSSED. THE EFFECT WHICH THE DISTANCE OF A CRIME LABORATORY FROM THE SCENE OF A CRIME MAKES ON THE LABORATORY'S EFFECTIVENESS IS EXAMINED IN DETAIL. ALL OF THIS INFORMATION IS USED TO IDENTIFY AREAS IN THE SYSTEM WHERE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE NEEDED IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESPOND TO THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF THE STATE. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS ARE LISTED. APPENDED MATERIAL INCLUDES PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)