Crapo, Risch Lead Resolution Acknowledging Forensics Vital Role In Justice System
Washington, D.C.--The U.S. Senate unanimously agreed to a Senate Resolution designating September 18-24, 2022, 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 plays a critical role in the proper function of our justice system,” said Crapo. “The Senate’s unanimous support of this Resolution acknowledges these specially-trained scientists’ essential contributions to bringing justice for victims and exonerating the falsely accused.”
“As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand key findings of forensic science exonerate the innocent, identify criminals, and provide closure for victims,” said Risch. “I am proud to honor and recognize the important work forensic scientists do for our justice system.”
“National Forensic Science Week is an opportunity to honor the outstanding work of forensic science professionals that work hard each day to identify perpetrators of crime, exonerate the innocent, and bring resolution to cases for the criminal justice system and victims of crime,” said Matthew Gamette, Idaho State Police Forensic Services Laboratory System Director. “We appreciate the support and recognition from Congress and especially our Idaho Senators and their staff for the hard work these scientists and doctors put in every day in Idaho and all over the United States. National Forensic Science Week is a great time to focus on the growing financial and workforce needs of the forensic science community, talking about continuing to advance the science and technology, and rewarding those performing this critical work.
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
(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 fourth week in September 2022 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 outlets to cover events hosted during National 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 fourth week of September 2022 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 labora18
tories;
(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 officers, and officers of the court to
(i) attend community events sponsored 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 laboratories about working together more effectively.
