Accepts Inspector General’s Recommendation to Expand Review of Old Casework to Every Discipline
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today released the County’s response to New York State Inspector General Ellen N. Biben’s investigation into the Nassau County Police Department’s Forensic Evidence Bureau (FEB) and announced the creation of an independent Forensic Advisory Board charged with reestablishing core capabilities of the crime laboratory and guiding the development, protocols and accreditation of a new crime laboratory to be located in the County’s Public Safety Center (PSC) in New Cassel. As recommended by the Inspector General, the County will expand the review of FEB’s casework to include every discipline.
“I ordered the crime laboratory’s doors closed in February 2011 after learning of reports indicating that inspectors from a national accrediting agency sounded alarms about critical errors dating back to September 2005. I thank the Inspector General for performing a thorough investigation and for providing recommendations to address the systematic failure of Nassau’s Forensic Evidence Bureau,” said County Executive Mangano. “Today we take the first step forward at renewing Nassau’s laboratory credibility by establishing an independent board of scientific experts, academics and other individuals well-known for their public safety experience and expertise. Together, they will guide Nassau County’s forensic services into the 21st Century while ensuring the County maximizes efficiencies and personnel.”
“The appointment of a Forensic Advisory Board is an important step to ensure that Nassau's new civilian-run crime lab opens its doors using the most qualified professionals, latest technology, and best procedures to restore public confidence in the evidence we present in court. Chief Assistant District Attorney Madeline Singas will represent my office well as a member of the Board, ensuring open communication between prosecutors, lab officials, and accrediting agencies,” stated Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.
The County Executive has tasked the Forensic Advisory Board with:
The Forensic Advisory Board, still in formation, includes:
To date, the County has reestablished toxicology testing and has received provisional accreditation to perform latent print analysis. The County is actively working to re-establish other core capabilities including the testing of bulk evidence and questioned documents.