Press Release: National Advisory Committee Formed for Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards
(Washington, DC; October 19, 2009) Today, the Innocence Project launched the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards. Committed to establishing national standards for the use of forensic sciences in criminal prosecutions, the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards includes a national outreach network with representatives in 23 states.
“This is an issue with urgent national importance, and these local leaders have come together to strengthen the U.S. criminal justice system,” Stephen Saloom, Policy Director at the Innocence Project, which is affiliated with Cardozo School of Law and convenes the Campaign for National Forensic Science Standards.. “Creating national standards for the use of the forensic sciences is critical to ensuring that the true perpetrators of crimes are caught and prosecuted. Too many innocent citizens face prosecution with faulty evidence while the real criminals are free to victimize again, and it’s time for that to stop.”
In February, the National Academy of Sciences issued a groundbreaking report finding that a variety of non-DNA forensics had never been validated for accuracy or reliability, and a blue-ribbon panel of experts called for the creation of an independent, science-based federal entity to improve the strength of forensic science. Evaluating forensics is critical because unvalidated or improper forensic science contribute to over 50% of wrongful convictions that have been overturned with DNA testing. This lack of scientific standards also slows down and misleads law enforcement investigations, leaving the real perpetrators on the streets. In contrast, accurate forensics will lead to more efficient and effective prosecutions.
For more information, contact Ellie Collinson at (719) 331-8291.