Crapo, Risch Celebrate Contributions of Forensic Scientists in Justice System

Washington, D.C.--The U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to a Senate Resolution designating September 17-23, 2023, as National Forensic Science Week.  The resolution, introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), recognizes the role forensic science plays in the investigation, prosecution and conviction of crimes, as well as exoneration of the innocent.

“Forensic science does more than just ensuring convictions,” said Crapo.  “This necessary work also frees the innocent.  Forensic science delivers important truths to the criminal justice system, and the Idaho State Police is a leader and shining example of this vital service.  The Senate’s unanimous support of this resolution acknowledges the essential contributions of this field in bringing justice for victims.”

“Forensic science is a vital tool for our criminal justice system,” said Risch.  “The Senate’s recognition of the work forensic scientists do to provide closure to victims, convict dangerous criminals, and free the innocent is more than earned, it is deserved.”

“National Forensic Science Week is an opportunity for us to recognize the important work of forensic science professionals who do such critical work in the criminal justice system,” said Matthew Gammette, Idaho State Police Forensic Services Laboratory System Director.  “It is a time to highlight their work, honor them for their contributions to society, and encourage more students to pursue this rapidly emerging profession.  This week we have the opportunity to highlight the critical resource and infrastructure needs to advance forensic science in the United States.  We must constantly work together to ensure equal access to forensic science and forensic medical services in the United States.”

Additional co-sponsors of the resolution include Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-California), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Alex Padilla (D-California), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island).

Read the full text of the resolution HERE and below.

Whereas the Senate is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes in the United States;

Whereas forensic science service providers address critical questions in civil and criminal investigations and trials in the United States, including by providing scientific conclusions relating to forensic evidence;

Whereas forensic science service providers partner with—

(1) Federal agencies to build and maintain criminal databases relating to latent prints, DNA, and other information relevant to criminal cases; and

(2) Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure public safety;

Whereas forensic science service providers serve a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and officers of the court; and

Whereas the week of September 17, 2023, to September 23, 2023, is recognized as ‘‘National Forensic Science Week’’: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week; and

(2) recognizes that National Forensic Science Week provides a special opportunity for—

(A) forensic science service providers to—

(i) acknowledge the contributions of forensic scientists in the laboratories in which those individuals work;

(ii) organize community events to encourage a better understanding of forensic science;

(iii) provide tours to Federal, State, and local policymakers to assist those individuals in gaining better insight into the current capabilities of forensic science service providers and the future demands that forensic science service providers will face; and

(iv) contact and invite local media 5 outlets to cover events hosted during Na6 tional Forensic Science Week;

(B) local policymakers to—

(i) recognize, through formal commendation or resolution, the contributions of local forensic science laboratories to the communities of those policymakers;

(ii) formally declare the week of September 17, 2023, to September 23, 2023, to be ‘‘National Forensic Science Week’’ by proclamation;

(iii) visit local forensic science laboratories to gain an understanding of the capabilities and needs of those laboratories; and

(iv) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories;

(C) individuals in the United States, including members of the media, to—

(i) attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories;

(ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories; and

(iii) ask local forensic science laboratories about the operational and legislative needs of those laboratories;

(D) members of the media to highlight local news stories that focus on the work of local forensic science laboratories in the communities that those laboratories serve; and

(E) public safety officers, law enforcement 13 officers, and officers of the court to—

(i) attend community events spon sored by local forensic science laboratories;

(ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories;

(iii) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories; and

(iv) engage with local forensic science 22 laboratories about working together more 23 effectively

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