NCJ Number
69665
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1980) Pages: 225-238
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A systemized approach to crime laboratory management and to criminalistics problemsolving is discussed with attention to laboratory operations, subjective probability, and priority systems as managerial tools.
Abstract
Crime laboratory administrators' positions with respect to the laboratory, to the adversary legal profession, and to the defense and prosecution are outlined in an attempt to identify the challenges crime laboratories must meet. The hierarchy of the organization is described and illustrated with a flowchart, and consideration is given to functions and staff concerned with each component of the crime laboratory. Discussion then turns to the decisionmaking process, the personnel involved in decisionmaking, and how such persons can optimize their efforts in a synergistic relationship. Pointers are presented for conducting initial case examinations using subjective probability, and for reporting procedures using subjective probability. With respect to these reporting procedures, a scale of weighted values system is described, with a chart exemplifying such a scale. Finally, a method for developing priorities and for communicating them to personnel is suggested. Footnotes are provided.