Crime Laboratories Management Policies and Challenges - A Review of Selected Issues (From FBI Authorization - Hearings, P 356-411, 1981 - See NCJ-91906)

• NCJ Number: 91907
• Author(s): L G Becker
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 56 pages
• Corporate Author: Library of Congress
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report examines problems faced by managers of Federal crime laboratories who must respond to increased demands for service, requirements for high quality performance, and the challenges of new technology in a time of limited resources.

Abstract

The document first presents background information on congressional concern with standards and controls in the clinical laboratory environment which have implications for the crime laboratory. This section also reviews two relevant General Accounting Office crime laboratory studies and the National Institute of Justice forensic science research program. The report then surveys selected activities and programs of crime laboratories operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Also described are activities of the forensic science community to improve laboratory analysis, including the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the Criminalistics Certification Study Committee of the American Academy of Forensic Science, and the Forensic Science Foundation. Technological innovations which have improved laboratory efficiency and the reliability of analyses are surveyed, with attention to computer-supported instrumentation, automation of laboratory files, and quality assurance programs. The report concludes that lower cost and more dependable microprocessors should increase laboratory capabilities in the future. In addition, the new FBI Forensic Research and Training Center should positively influence crime laboratory management, although questions have arisen over its advisory review function. Other issues discussed are the organizational location of crime laboratories, lack of experience and training in non-Federal laboratories, lack of experience and training in non-Federal laboratories, lack of experience and training in non-Federal laboratories, centralization versus decentralization, inadequate use of existing information systems, and training. Charts and 63 footnotes are provided.