Crime Subcommittee to Hold Hearing to Examine the State of Forensic Science

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 3:00 p.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the current state of forensic science used by law enforcement and explore avenues to improve it. Effective law enforcement relies on forensic science every day of every week. Forensic science produces investigative leads and helps exonerate or convict persons of interest. While high-level reports have criticized the reliability of forensic science, the forensic science community has been working to enhance the objectivity of their examinations and the statistical proof of reliability for decades. Since the 2009 National Academies of Science (NAS) report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, significant, universal efforts have been made to increase the quality assurance in laboratories and the production of reports that are empirically based. The NAS report and the recently released report of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology have also called for more federal leadership in forensic science in order to strengthen research. Witnesses for the hearing are:

• Dr. Victor Weedn, MD, JD, Professor of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University
• Mr. Matthew Gamette. Lab System Director, Idaho State Police Forensic Services
• Dr. David Baldwin, Special Technologies Laboratory, National Security Technologies, LLC

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) issued the statements below in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “Forensic science is used every day by local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and is a powerful investigative tool to vindicate the rights of crime victims and carry out justice. Since forensic science has the ability to quickly identify the guilty and exonerate the innocent, there is a continual need for research to enhance the reliability of forensic science. At next week’s hearing, the Crime Subcommittee will examine the current state of forensic science and explore ideas to build upon its capabilities.” Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy: “As a former federal prosecutor, I fully understand the necessity of reliable and timely forensic science. Forensic evidence is the most critical component in seeking justice or proving innocence, and ensuring these technologies are the most up to date should be a priority. I look forward to examining the current state of forensic science and listening to our witnesses during our subcommittee hearing next week.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.