NCJ Number
58298
Date Published
1978
Length
14 pages
Annotation
IN AN INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE WORKSHOP PRESENTATION, A PROFESSOR OF CRIMINALISTICS AT A CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OFFERS POLICE EXECUTIVES ADVICE ON MAXIMIZING THEIR USE OF CRIME LABORATORY SERVICES.
Abstract
THE PRESENTER, WHO ALSO ORGANIZED AND DIRECTED FOR 28 YEARS THE ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF., SHERIFF'S CRIME LABORATORY, FIRST NOTES THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CRIME LABORATORY, DESCRIBING THE LABORATORY AS THE ONE RESOURCE THAT CAN PROVIDE THE CLOSEST APPROXIMATION OF THE TRUTH IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS. CONSIDERATIONS IN STAFFING CRIME LABORATORIES ARE DISCUSSED, INCLUDING THE DIFFERENT ROLES OF TECHNICIANS AND PROFESSIONAL CRIMINALISTS, RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SWORN AND NONSWORN PERSONNEL AND BETWEEN LABORATORY PERSONNEL AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE TRAINING OF PATROL AND INVESTIGATIVE PERSONNEL IN THE USE OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE, AND THE SELECTION, TRAINING, AND RETENTION OF LABORATORY PERSONNEL. EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS THAT CAN ARISE AS A RESULT ON INCOMPETENCE ON THE PART OF LABORATORY PERSONNEL ARE CITED. THE USE OF PROFICIENCY TESTING TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY A CRIME LABORATORY IS DISCUSSED. ALSO INCLUDED ARE GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO LABORATORY EQUIPMENT, SPACE, AND BUDGETS. THE IMPORTANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LABORATORY PERSONNEL AND THE MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WHO USE LABORATORY SERVICES IS EMPHASIZED, AS IS THE NEED TO RECRUIT THE BEST AVAILABLE CRIMINALISTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEIR ON-THE-JOB PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THE FUNDAMENTAL NEED TO PROVIDE CRIME LABORATORY BUDGETS IN LINE WITH CASELOADS IS NOTED.