Crime (investigation) subjects | Criminalistics » Criminalistics Division, 2008 Annual Report

Source: http://www.doksinet CRIMINALISTICS DIVISION –2008 Annual Report The Criminalistics Division consists of several units, each of which is responsible for the scientific evaluation, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence. The laboratory is structured into three areas: Latent Prints Development and Comparison, Drug Analysis and Major Criminalistics. In some cases, technical staff is assigned to more than one unit depending on individual skills and unit caseloads. The Division also responds to select crime scenes requiring specialized knowledge, skills or abilities. Staffing Total authorized staff in the Division at the beginning of 2008 was 24 FTE, which included 22 technical positions. The Division began the year with five vacancies By the end of the year, the number of vacancies had been reduced to one. Two positions were filled in Forensic Biology in October, bringing this unit to full staffing for the first time in many years. A Latent Print Examiner position was

filled in Latent Print Comparison Unit. A vacant criminalist position in the Firearms Unit was filled in August One staff member, Anthony Camacho retired in July 2008 after 25 years of service. His retirement created a Police Evidence Technician vacancy in the Latent Print Unit. In the budget cutting of October 2008, this position was cut, reducing authorized FTEs to 23. By the end of the year, one vacancy remaineda Criminalist III Supervisor position in the Firearms Unit. The Latent Print Unit, which was closed in May 2006 as a consequence of the loss of all Latent Print examiner staff, was finally re-opened in 2008 with the hiring of a second examiner. The Division also received assistance in the IBIS Program from a police officer who works a variable number of hours per week on overtime. She is not included in the Division FTE count as she is not formally assigned to the laboratory. We also employed the services of a Temporary Contract Employee who retired in December 2006. This

individual conducted technical reviews on firearms casework throughout the year. His services will continue to be needed until firearms trainees are fully advanced to independent casework and sufficiently skilled to handle the technical review demands required. Crime Laboratory Staffing as of December 31, 2008 Classification Authorized Vacancies Criminalist I Criminalist II Latent Print Examiners Criminalist III Police Evidence Technician 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report Affected Units 2 14 2 3 0 0 0 1 Firearms 0 0 This position was cut in October 1 Source: http://www.doksinet Office Assistant II Crime Lab Manager 1 1 23 Total 0 0 1 . In 2007 and 2008 we recruited for two openings in the Firearms Unit. On the first attempt, we were unable to find suitable experienced staff. As a consequence we reassigned a criminalist from Forensic Biology to Firearms where he is currently a trainee. In our second recruitment, we were able to fill the other vacancy in the

Unit The supervisor position is vacant and we are in the process of determining our best options to fill this position. We filled the one vacancy in th eLatent Print Unit with an experienced latent print examiner. However, the loss of the PET position that was cut in October has decimated our latent print processing capability. From recruitments in early 2008, we were able to fill two Biology Unit vacancies in October with highly experienced staff from a neighboring laboratory. Fiscal Management Report The data below is based on Period 13 of FY 07-08 budget data for all accounts under Organization Code 102610. The Laboratory receives funding from the General Fund and from various Grants. Source General Fund Grants Grand Total Budget Encumbrances Actuals Balance $3,502,499 $0 $3,104,123 $315,184 $1,443,515 $140,984 $751,022 $551,509 $4,946,014 $140,984 $3,855,145 $866,693 The budget is further apportioned as shown below. General Fund Personnel Overtime O&M Budget Encumbrances

Actuals Balance $3,166,920 0 $2,726,948 $356,780 $25,422 0 $67,018 (-$41,596) $310,157 $92,822 $217,928 (-$593) Grants Personnel Overtime O&M Budget • • • Encumbrances $81,000 $1,744,830 $1,187,685 0 0 $140,984 Actuals $4,558 $27,943 $751,022 Balance $76,442 $146,887 $551,509 29% of our total funding is derived from grants. 62% of O&M funding is derived from grants, including 100% of our capital equipment funding. All personnel costs associated with grants are for overtime to work on backlogged cases and validate new methods and equipment. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 2 Source: http://www.doksinet • • The overrun in the General Fund overtime category is due primarily to the employment of a police officer who serves as an IBIS technician. Civilian overtime is due to crime scene examinations and casework to meet court or charging deadlines. This overrun is compensated by salary savings elsewhere The lion’s share of the relatively small

overrun in General Fund O&M is due to a Central Services overhead charge over which we have no control. Productivity and Performance Data and Accomplishments 1. Latent Print Unit The Latent Print Unit is responsible for receipt, evaluation, and custody of all latent prints recovered by department personnel, for the chemical processing items of evidence for latent prints, and for comparison and identification of latent prints either manually, or by computer assisted means. Criminalist III Supervisor Tom Abercrombie supervises this unit. The Unit is still recovering from the closure that began in June 2006. However, with the hiring of one LPE II and one LPE I and the on-going assistance of one Criminalist II on extended loan from the Biology Unit, the Unit has now began doing full service latent print casework again. However, due to the cut of the PET position, our ability to do routine latent print development work has been decimated. That service is done only on an extremely

limited basis. The Unit still retains the capability of developing latent prints in the field and provides that service when needed. Casework Activities The Unit received latent prints recovered in 922 offenses during 2008, an 11.2% decrease in offenses with latents when compared to 2007, a 33% decreased since 2005, and a whopping 56% decrease since 2000. The number of incidents resulting in the collection of prints does not correspond to the crime rate. Crime has increased in this city over the last four years, but the collection of latent prints has decreased significantly. Collection and analysis of latent prints both need to increase. Latent Print Casework Received-2008 Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 % Change Total # Offenses with Latent Prints 1,385 1,264 1,038 922 -11.2% Offenses with Computer Quality Latent Prints 725 NA1 NA1 545 NA1 Latent Print Processing Requests Received 116 85 95 88 -7.4% Comparison Cases Received 873 NA2 NA2 609 NA3 148 71

57 64 +12.3% 545 NA3 “Named” Comparisons Computer Comparisons 725 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report NA 2 NA 3 2 Source: http://www.doksinet 1. 2. 3. Quality assessments suspended in March of 2006 due to staffing. Could not be ascertained because it is dependent on doing quality assessments. Could not be ascertained due to lack of data from 2007. Latent Print Casework Reported - 2008 20051 20062 20072 2008 % Change Latent Print Processing Requests Completed 101 85 75 54 -28.0% # Exhibits Processed 876 950 927 628 -32.2% Comparison Cases Completed* 435 97 NA2 93 NA3 “Named” Comparisons 76 38 NA2 64 NA3 Computer Comparisons 359 59 NA2 29 NA3 Named Suspect Examined 137 112 NA2 141 NA3 Total Suspects Identified 176 23 NA2 34 NA3 41 (54%) 14 (37%) NA2 25 (39%) NA3 Description “Named” Suspects Identified (Hit Rate) 9 NA3 Suspects Identified By 135 9 NA2 (31%) Computer (38%) (15%) (Hit Rate) 1. 2005

data includes hit rate data from Coverdell 187 project 2. 2006 and 2007 data incorporates only that data from OPD LP Unit Data for cases submitted to Contra Costa County is reported separately. 3. Could not be ascertained due to lack of data from 2007 Processing Requests: These are requests made by law enforcement investigators to develop and recover latent prints on evidence items that are not suitable for conventional dusting in the field or not best approached by dusting alone. Each request generally involves numerous exhibits of evidence and requires multiple, sequentially applied reagents to develop, enhance, and document latent prints. Requests for service in this area decreased by slightly more than 7% compared to 2007. Completed requests for latent print processing decreased by 28% when compared to the previous year. A total of 54 requests were completed in 2008 The decrease is a direct result of the retirement of a PET assigned to the laboratory whose sole duty was to process

evidence for potential latent prints, and the subsequent elimination of the vacant position. His position was frozen when he left in August, and was ultimately cut in the budget reduction exercise in October 2008. Of the 54 requests for latent print processing completed in 2008, 50 (93%) were done prior to the retirement of the 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 4 Source: http://www.doksinet PET. Only four cases have been completed since the position became vacant We are unable to meet the demands for service in this area without this position. A total of 628 exhibits were processed in 2008 for an average of 10.3 exhibits per request. In 2007 the number of exhibits per request was at 124, showing a decrease of slightly less than 17%. For a graphical representation of month-to-month activity in this section, see the graph below. 2008 LP Processing Activity 250 200 150 Cases Received Requests Recd Cases Completed Req Completed # of Items Process # Req with Prints 100 50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2007 Avg Named Cases: “Named” cases are those where the investigator requests the known prints of a particular individual(s) for comparison to latent prints in a case. The number of “named” cases investigators requested in 2008 increased by slightly more than 12% compared to 2007. There appears to be a steady if modest uptick throughout the year in requests received, but the overall number of requests (64) remains stunningly low for an agency of our size and a jurisdiction with our high crime rate. This low usage raises serious questions about the department’s investigative capacity. This trend has been remarked upon in previous year-end reports from the Division. With the recent re-establishment of the Latent Print Unit, even though understaffed, it is hoped that there will be more focus by investigators on the use of this basic forensic tool. Further, it is hoped that the Department and the City will increase

staffing in the Unit, starting with the position that was cut. These increases will enable a faster response time, which in turn should increase the demand for and use of this service. Regardless, much greater use of available latent print evidence should be a basic element of all OPD investigations. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 5 Source: http://www.doksinet The graph below illustrates the month-to-month named comparison cases/requests submissions and completions during 2008. LP Activity-Named Comparison-2008 14 12 10 8 Cases Received Requests Received Cases Completed 6 Requests Completed 4 2 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2007 Avg Computer Cases: These are cases in which latent prints from unknown subjects that are determined to have sufficient detail are subjected to computerized searching using the California state identification AFIS system known as CAL-ID and the FBI database known as IAFIS. Searches were re-established

in April with one staff member The assistance we received throughout 2007 from Contra Costa County Forensic Services Division ceased in January of 2008. The Division received 545 cases with computer searchable prints. Only 29 such cases were actually searched. This is partly due to the fact that CALID services were greatly reduced following the closure of the Unit in 2006 and only resumed in-house in April 2008. However, we are chronically unable to search all computer searchable prints routinely due to persistent shortage of staff to handle this caseload. Only a small percentage of what is collected is searched. Historically over 10,000 cases with searchable prints have gone unsearched, representing missed opportunities to solve crimes. Homicides are not being searched Based on recent research, we found that computer searchable latent prints have been received on 225 homicide cases since 2004. Latent print evidence in 81 of these cases (36%) have never been examined. Increased

staffing is needed to insure all of the right work is done with turnaround times that meet investigative needs. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 6 Source: http://www.doksinet LP Activity-CAL-ID-2008 100 90 80 70 60 Req Recd Req Completed 50 # Req w/ Hits Hit Rate (%) 40 30 20 10 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept O ct Nov Dec 2007 Avg Staffing and Backlogs At the beginning of 2008, the Latent Print Unit operated with 1.0 FTE Latent Print Examiner, 1.0 FTE Criminalist II (on loan from the Forensic Biology Unit until the Latent Print Unit is fully re-opened) and one 1.0 FTE Police Evidence Technician (PET). The LPE II was limited to doing named comparison cases until April, at which time she began doing AFIS cases. Shortly thereafter, she finished her refresher training in latent print processing and was able to perform casework in that area. The PET retired in July In August, a second LPE was hired. The LPE I qualified for comparison work

late in the fall of 2008 and became AFIS-qualified in December 2008. This limited staffing has obviously had a major impact on the increasing backlog that is seen in every area of the Unit. Backlogs - 2008 Activity 2005 2006 2007 2008 %Change Latent Print Processing 142 142 103 137 +33.0% Named Comparison Requests 65 80 84 94 +11.9% Computer Suitable Cases 7,948 NA1 NA1 (est) 9,0002 NA3 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 7 Source: http://www.doksinet Formal CAL-ID Request 1. 2. 3. NA 94 115 334 +190.4% Unable to ascertain – quality evaluations stopped early in March 2006. Estimate based on hand-count of latent print lift cards. Unable to ascertain due to no data from previous year (2007). Backlog increases are the result of understaffing. The increase in the backlog in area of latent print processing is attributable to the loss of the PET whose sole responsibility was the processing of evidence for potential latent prints. In the interim, a

few (4) critically needed cases have been assigned to the sole LPE II currently able to do latent print processing. This situation cannot be corrected without restoring the position cut in October 2008. The very large increase in the formal CAL-ID case request backlog is due to the fact that investigators in the Robbery Division have decided that, regardless of the staffing in the Latent Print Unit, they will submit requests for their cases. 2. Drug Analysis Unit The laboratory attempts to provide 24-hour turn around time on all drug analysis cases. This effort supports the Department’s and the District Attorney’s interest in charging suspects prior to release. Criminalist III Supervisor Tom Abercrombie supervises this unit. Twenty four hour turnaround was achieved in over 95% of drug cases, despite double digit increases in requests. Staffing: The Unit requires at least 3 FTE staff in order to attempt to maintain 24 hour turnaround on case requests. During 2008, for the first

time ever, the Unit had the minimum of 3 FTE. Despite the staffing, there were frequently times in which the Unit had only two and sometimes one person working, mandating that backfills be made from other units. Additionally, in order to maintain case turnaround, substantial overtime was required. The Unit devoted many hours during the regular work day to researching and providing documentation to the Internal Affairs Division in the search warrant investigation. However, due to the extraordinary efforts of the analysts and the use of overtime, the Unit was able to maintain the 24-hour turnaround. Another major impact on the Unit occurred during the City-mandated furlough days. The laboratory was able to secure an exemption for two staff members to enable analysis and charging of cases and provision of drug evidence for court proceedings. Despite the increase in staffing, the Unit Supervisor often had to support the unit by logging in the receipt of all new drug cases and providing

technical and administrative review on most of the completed cases reports. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 8 Source: http://www.doksinet Casework Activities: Overall, the number of cases received and analyzed increased fairly dramatically in 2007. Additionally, the number of items analyzed per case increased due to the fact that the cases submitted were more complex and consisted of more exhibits (see table below and graph on page 2 of this report). Drug Analysis Unit Statistics Description 2005 2006 2007 2008 % Change Cases Received 5,184 4,984 5,330 6,061 +13.7% Cases Analyzed 2,816 2,734 2,807 3,138 +11.8% Exhibits Analyzed (Casework) 3,600 3,576 3,724 4,232 +13.6% Exhibits Analyzed per Case 1.28 1.31 1.33 1.35 +1.5% Exhibits Analyzed (Quality Control) 238 265 280 272 -2.9% As was the case for the last two years, the percentage of cases that required analysis by instrumental methods increased. This is due to more frequently

encountered “designer” drugs, as well as cases involving multiple controlled substances. The number of bulk marijuana cases received in during 2008 (27) almost doubled compared to 2007 (14 bulk cases). Storage and management of drug evidence continue to be problematic, particularly in light of the increase in bulk marijuana cases. Space is problematic in that we do not have proper facilities for stripping and drying this material. Some Drug Unit personnel have developed sensitivities/ allergies to marijuana, requiring the use of air purifying respirator when handling bulk marijuana cases. Whenever a bulk marijuana seizure case comes into the laboratory, we have complaints from others in the building regarding the strong and irritating odors associated with the material. Large seizures require frequent drug destruction. Four large drug destruction events occurred during 2008. The addition of another FTE assisted greatly in increasing our ability to generate destruction lists and

associated documents. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 9 Source: http://www.doksinet Drug Activity - 2008 700 600 500 400 Cases Received Cases Analyzed 300 Exhibits Analyzed 200 100 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2007 Avg Quality Assurance Program: The Unit’s quality assurance program, instituted in its current form in 1995, resulted in the re-examination of a random selection of at least 10% of all cases. The cases that were subject to re-examination were limited to those that consisted of non-marijuana and drug exhibits with more than 0.04 gram of material This program helps to insure that the quality of casework conducted in the Drug Unit is maintained at the highest level. During 2008, the number of cases subjected to QC reanalysis (272) decreased slightly less than 3% over 2007. This slight decrease is due to the fact that the Unit Supervisor maintained a 10% rather than a 12-13% reanalysis rate. Again, as in previous years, no

analytical problems were found after reanalysis. 3. Major Criminalistics Unit Major criminalistics cases consist of firearms examinations, biological material identification and genetic typing using DNA directed methods, recovery of trace evidence, and field investigations. The Unit received 890 requests in 704 cases in 2008, a 27% increase over 2007 submissions. The cases backlogged situation worsened profoundly, increasing by almost 60% to 1,350 cases. The 49% increase in the Firearms Unit backlog is due to loss of trained staff and the retirement in at the end of 2006 of one of the staff from which we have not yet recovered. This unit alone accounts for 66% of backlog cases in the laboratory This problem will persist in 2009 until new, relatively inexperienced personnel are fully developed and the remaining vacancy in the unit is filled. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 10 Source: http://www.doksinet Requests in Forensic Biology were up 53% over 2007 levels,

contributing to the 62% increase in backlog. Gains in throughput from process changes instituted in 2007 were swamped by the sheer increase in demand for work. Major Criminalistics Casework Received Description Cases Received Requests Received 2005 347 572 2006 528 762 2007 503 700 Firearms 302 446 Serology/DNA 263 301 Other * 1 1 Crime Scenes 5 10 * trace recovery, impressions, physical match 408 282 0 10 704 890 % Change +40% 27% Cumulative Backlog 1350 (845) 1712 (1134) 448 432 0 9 +9.8% +53% N/A -10% 1136 (763) 536 (331) 29 (29) 11 (11) 2008 Major Criminalistics Casework Reported Description Cases Reported Requests Reported Firearms 2005 333 544 316 2006 284 457 240 2007 201 348 119 2008 180 281 71 % Change -10.4% -16.8% -40.3% Biology/DNA 222 220 Other * 1 1 Crime Scenes 4 6 * trace, impression evidence, physical matches 226 0 13 201 0 8 -11% n/a -38.5% 3A. Forensic Biology Activities Forensic Biology casework consists of the identification of biological

materials and the genetic typing of those materials using DNA methods. The Unit works cases with suspects and also works no-suspect cases. The Unit has access to the state and national DNA database known as CODIS and uses this tool to identify possible perpetrators in unsolved cases and to connect cases together that are part of a series. The staff enters all DNA profiles that meet CODIS acceptance requirements. Criminalist III Jennifer Mihalovich supervises this unit. Essentially all of the requests for service in this area are associated with homicides, sexual assaults, or assaults. The Unit rarely applies DNA technology to property crime evidence despite research that shows property crimes frequently result in the deposition of biological material from the perpetrator. The laboratory adopted STR based DNA technology in October 2000 and has used it in casework since that time. STR technology changes were implemented in 2007 that are expected to increase discrimination potential by

testing a greater number of genetic loci and increase efficiency by reducing the number of analyses required for genetic testing. Implementation work has begun on the new multi-capillary DNA typing instrument. This instrumentation will increase the number of specimens run on the instrument at one 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 11 Source: http://www.doksinet time. Full implementation of these new instruments is anticipated by the second quarter of 2009. Staffing: The Forensic Biology Unit began the reporting period with a total of 11 authorized FTE positions, including a full time unit supervisor. Two of these positions were vacant. A third position was loaned to the Latent Print Unit beginning in November 2007 and remained on loan throughout 2008. The vacant positions were filled in October with experienced forensic scientists, and completion of their training is anticipated by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Therefore, the unit had 7 FTE casework qualified

analysts during 2008 to cover forensic biology casework demands. Casework Activities: Forensic biology casework includes those requests with a named suspect or where the suspect is not known. In either event, requests are counted as part of the major criminalistics caseload and are shown in the tables above. We receive requests from OPD investigators in active investigations and from the District Attorney in cases that have been charged. In no-suspect cases a DNA database hit may identify the person responsible for the crime. Requests for service are up 53% over last year. Requests completed declined 11% While most requests for work include a request for DNA analysis, 76% (152) of the requests reported in 2008 actually resulted in a DNA analysis. This is a 5% increase over 2007 Typing is a function of whether sufficient potentially probative biological material was found on the evidence items examined. The cumulative year-end backlog was 536 requests, up 62% over last year. Twenty-six

backlogged cases were cancelled during the year. The current backlog alone represents full-time work for 9 examiners. CODIS Entry and “Hit Rate”: CODIS is the name for the National DNA Database which consists of known DNA profiles of offenders and other database eligible persons, and DNA profiles developed from evidence in cases. It is the primary mechanism by which evidence in crime incidents can be associated with individuals in the database (potential perpetrators) or with evidence in other crime incidents, thereby establishing serial crimes. The Criminalistics Division enters DNA profiles developed from evidence samples into the database. An association to a person or to another case made through the database is informally referred to as a “hit”. Not all DNA profiles generated are suitable for entry into CODIS. These profiles fall into three categories: (1) the profile is concordant with the victim, (2) the profile is concordant with a consensual sex partner or (3) the

profile generated contains too little genetic information for profiling purposes. Associations in CODIS may be made between cases based on common profiles or may be made to a named offender. Some cases result in more than one match. Serial crimes that are eventually associated with a named offender are counted as named offender hits. A total of 741 profiles from 688 cases have been entered into CODIS to date since the inception of the program in 2000, including work conducted under the Cold Hit Grant 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 12 Source: http://www.doksinet Program (October 2000 through January 2005). Seventy eight (78) new DNA profiles were submitted to CODIS during this reporting period. The laboratory has obtained 403 named individual matches in 367 cases, and case-to-case matches on an additional 35 cases since the inception of the program. The case requests conducted in the laboratory for the year 2008 generated an additional 60 individual hits in 57 cases and

two case-to-case link in CODIS. Currently, there is one sexual assault series in which there are eight victims. The probative DNA profile in these cases has not yet been associated with a named individual. A few hit events that occurred at the end of 2007 and which were not captured in 2007 statistics have been included in the totals reported in the table below. Summary of CODIS Hit Rate (all sources) as of Year End 2008 Number of Cases in CODIS (some cases may have more than one profile) Number of cases with one or more offender matches Number of OPD Case-to-Case Only Linkages1 Homicides: 138 Sexual Assaults: 500 67 4 Total Number of Named Offender Matches 70 270 30 271 Number of Cases with CrossJurisdictional Links Number of Cases Confirmed 1 (San Joaquin) 202 1 (to San Joaquin) 2 (Washington State) 3 (San Francisco) 1 (Florida) 1 (Fremont) 2 (Contra Costa) 3 (Los Angeles) 1 (Berkeley) 6 (San Francisco) 1 (San Mateo) 1 (Nevada) 1 (Georgia) 1 (Alameda County) 1033

Other (Robbery / Burglary, 30 1 32 6 Vehicular Manslaughter, missing persons): 50 Total Number of Profiles in 367 35 373 129 CODIS: 741 in 688 cases Hit Rate: 58% 53% 5% (named and case-to-case) (named only) (case-to-case only) 1 Cases-to-case linkages do not include those serial crimes that have ultimately been matched to a named offender. This number represents only those case-to-case links where the perpetrator is still unknown 2 One case does not require a confirmation, information was used as a investigative lead 3 39 of hits will not be confirmed due to statute of limitations, victim cooperation, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office not charging the case or the case has been prosecuted without confirmation. The Cold Hit Grant program ended in January 2005, but cases continue to generate hits in CODIS as a consequence of the ongoing inclusion of new offender and forensic samples in the database. This specific program has generated 151 named individual hits, 4 of which

occurred during 2008, and 21 case-to-case links. No case-to-case links involving the Cold Hit Grant program occurred in 2008. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 13 Source: http://www.doksinet “Hit rate” is defined as the number of cases resulting in at least one database association compared to the total number of cases entered into the database by this laboratory. Our hit rates are among the highest in the state and are summarized here: • • • • Overall hit rate (named and case-to-case): Overall named hit rate (all cases): Named hit rate in homicide cases: Named hit rate in sexual assault cases: 58% (402 hits /688 cases entered) 53% (367 hits / 688 cases entered) 48% (67 hits / 138 cases entered) 54% (270 hits /500 cases entered) NIJ Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Program 2006 Grant Period: October 2006March 2008 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $84,874 from the U.S Department of Justice, National

Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) for the Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Program 2006. Due to the restrictions of NIJ on the use of Backlog Reduction Grant money, the laboratory was unable to utilize these funds until March 2007. The funds were used to supplement the cost of the DNA analysis of biological evidence associated with criminal cases currently backlogged in the Forensic Biology Unit. It was determined that 172 forcible sexual assaults from the year 2004 have not been analyzed. The goal of this grant was to complete the analyses of 40 of these 2004 forcible sexual assault cases. Fifty-eight sexual assault case requests were enrolled into this grant program. The ultimate goal of the Forensic Biology Unit is to conduct analyses on all sexual assault cases containing physical evidence submitted to the Property Section. Therefore, a portion of the backlog sexual assault cases examined under this grant were cases with no prior examination request from an investigator. Case

reports on two cases remain to be published Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Program 2006 Description Potential cases Case Requests received (Anticipated 88) Cases Reported (completed) Total 58 58 56 Achieved 145% of goal Achieved 145% of goal 2 of case requests are in the process of being completed NIJ DNA Capacity Enhancement Program 2006 Grant period: October 2006March 2008 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $136,825 from the U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) for the 2006 DNA Capacity Enhancement Program. Capacity Enhancement Program Grant funds were used to support the purchase of DNA typing instruments (AB Prism 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 14 Source: http://www.doksinet 3130). Two instruments were purchased with additional funds from City Council The instruments have been installed and are in the process of being validated for use in the laboratory. NIJ DNA Backlog

and Capacity Enhancement Program 2007 Grant period: October 2007December 2008 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $145,547 from the U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) for the 2007 DNA Backlog and Capacity Enhancement Program. The Grant funds were used support the purchase of DNA typing software, electrical and intranet update, cubicles, and training. NIJ DNA Backlog Enhancement Program 2008 Grant period: October 2008March 2010 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $220,884 from the U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) for the 2008 DNA Backlog Enhancement Program. The Grant funds are being used to support the purchase of robotic liquid handlers, alternate light sources (laser and crime scope), digital cameras, stereomicroscope with digital camera, and training. NIJ Solving Cold Cases with DNA 2007 Grant period: October 2007March

2009 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $273,870 from the U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) for the Solving Cold Cases with DNA 2007. The funds are being used to supplement the cost of the DNA analysis of biological evidence associated with ten homicide cases involving female victims. Currently, nine homicide cases have been entered into this grant program. There are an additional 25 homicide cases that investigators are currently evaluating for entry into this grant program. The work in this grant will be a joint effort between the crime laboratory, homicide investigators, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The funds will be used for overtime for criminalists and investigators, salary for an annuitant, and laboratory supplies. One of the homicide cases has been prosecuted in which the defendant was found guilty. Two additional homicide cases are scheduled for trial. Funds under this

grant were used for additional laboratory analyses, witness and suspect interviews, and follow-up investigation by the Cold Case Unit. NIJ Solving Cold Cases with DNA 2008 Grant period: October 2008March 2010 The Criminalistics Division Forensic Biology Unit received a grant in the amount of $454,635 from the U.S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (USDOJ/NIJ) 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 15 Source: http://www.doksinet Solving Cold Cases with DNA 2008 Program. The funds are being used to supplement the cost of the DNA analysis of biological evidence associated fifty unsolved sexual assault cases. Currently, thirteen sexual assault cases have been entered into this grant program. There are an additional 40 sexual assault cases that investigators are evaluating for entry into this grant program. The work in this grant will be a joint effort between the crime laboratory, sexual assault investigators, and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

The funds will be used for overtime for criminalists and investigators, salary for an annuitant, and laboratory supplies. One of the sexual assault cases is scheduled for trial. The funds used under this grant were used for additional laboratory analyses, victim, witness and suspect interviews and follow-up investigation by the Cold Case Unit. Technology Advancements in Forensic Biology The Forensic Biology Unit is currently conducting extensive validation studies on new DNA typing instruments (ABI Prism 3130 Capillary Electrophoresis). We expect these studies to be completed by April 2009. The instruments were purchased through the NIJ DNA Capacity Enhancement Grant of 2006 with additional funds provided by City Council. Once the validation studies are completed, protocols written, and appropriate competency tests completed, they will be implemented into case work. The use of these instruments will speed throughput of case requests. The Forensic Biology Unit is conducting validation

studies on the ‘Y-STR’ typing kits, which specifically targets male DNA. The DNA typing of the Y-chromosome will be very valuable in those mixture cases where the female component overwhelms the male component using current STR typing arrays. Y-STRs can be analyzed using current instrumentation. 3B. Firearms Activities and IBIS (Integrated Ballistics Identification System) The Firearms Unit conducts casework associated with the identification of firearms and firearms related evidence, such as fired bullets and cartridge cases. This includes shooter-to-target distance determinations, reconstruction of selected shooting incidents and serial number restoration on firearms. Staffing: The Unit has 4 FTE authorized positions. It is currently overseen by an acting supervisor who is the only fully casework qualified member of the unit. We began the year with three vacancies and filled two of them by the end of the year. A Criminalist II transferred into the Unit from the Forensic Biology

Unit in January. He is currently in training to become a firearms examiner. In August, we hired a criminalist who has had considerable training in the firearms field. She is a graduate of the BATFE National Firearms Examiner Academy, but requires some further in-house training before being advanced to independent casework. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 16 Source: http://www.doksinet Additional assistance in the IBIS program was provided by a police officer working on an over-time basis. Her work is limited to 10 hours per month The police officer is responsible for evaluation and test firing of seized weapons and imaging of test fired bullets and cartridge cases. Criminalists in the Unit are responsible for assessing suitability of test fires for imaging, database search, and confirmation of links found in IBIS. A temporary services contract employee continues to provide essential technical review of casework conducted by our one casework qualified firearms examiner.

We anticipate his services will be needed for another year. Traditional Casework: We received 448 firearms requestsan increase of 9.8% over 2007 levels. A total of 7 of these were generated as a consequence of IBIS hits A total of 71 requests were reported, corresponding to a decrease of 40% over 2007. This downturn is due to the fact that the temporary service contract employee no longer does casework, and our one remaining firearms examiner has additional training duties as well as supervisory duties that limit his availability for casework. The backlog increased by 49% compared to 2007 and finished the year at 1,136 requests. With the present staffing level, the Firearms Unit is unable to provide timely service on all cases that require immediate attention. Cases involving suspects apprehended with firearms are being prioritized, as well as high profile cases and cases pending trial. The remaining cases, mainly ADWsmany of which have a high potential for being linked to other cases

in IBISare not currently being completed. It is anticipated however that the recently hire examiner will complete training and be able to contribute to the reduction of the backlog by June 2009. IBIS: This year represents the fourteenth year of the Laboratory’s involvement with the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS). Weapons seized by the Department are test-fired and included in the IBIS database. The number of weapons evaluated for the IBIS entry increased by 34% over last year due to the efforts of the new staff assigned to the Unit who have advanced to IBIS casework. Cold hits are those in which no previous connection or association between incidents has been made or was suspected. This year 7 new linkages were made, bringing the total to 257 since the start of the program in 1995. Of these hits, 4 firearms recovered from felons were linked to homicides, while the remaining 3 involved ADW incidents. The Crime Laboratory has continued to assist the California

Highway Patrol (CHP) by examination and entry of firearms recovered by them. The number of firearms submitted by CHP is low enough not to significantly affect OPD casework at the moment. IBIS casework activities are summarized in the table below. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 17 Source: http://www.doksinet IBIS Casework Description ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 Total* % Change 2007-2008 +34% +32% 413 350 314 421 5361 Weapons evaluated 299 304 403 5092 Weapons test fired and databased 385 Primary Evidence 149 150 50 44 1417 # Shooting incidents involved -12% 235 177 100 40 2052 # Evidence items databased -60% 47 39 12 7 257 # Hits -42% 31.5% 260% 240% 160% 18.0% Hit Rate* 0% * The hit rate is defined as the number of IBIS linkages versus the number of primary evidence cases entered into the system. * Total is total for the program since its inception in 1995. A total of 421 firearms were evaluated and 403 firearms were found suitable for test firing and IBIS entry. A

total of 40 primary evidence samples were added to the database this yeara decrease of 60% over 2007 levels that is a consequence of loss of casework qualified staff. Partnership with Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF): BATF has provided for maintenance and updating of the equipment at no cost to the Department. BATF has provided for continuous upgrade of our IBIS DAS hardware and software by Forensic Technologies, Inc. Without the assistance of BATF and our close working relationship with them, the IBIS program could not exist. We are very grateful for their assistance. Activities and accomplishments: • 448 requests for service were received, including 7 requests that were a direct result of IBIS cold hits. Requests increased by almost 10% over 2007 • 71 requests for service were completeda 40% decrease. • 421 firearms were examined for the IBIS program of which 403 were suitable for entryan increase of 34% over 2007. • 67 items of primary evidence were entered into

IBIS. • 7 IBIS “hits” were confirmed. • A new firearms examiner trainee was hired and is expected to advance to supervised casework in June 2009. • Criminalist Weller was accepted to the BATFE National Firearms Examiner Academyand 18 month course of study at US government expense. He will start in January 2009. 3D. Field Examinations This section of the laboratory is staffed by those who become qualified to respond to crime scenes. During 2008, there were seven laboratory staff members who were able to respond and take a “lead” position for crime scene response. Additionally, there were six staff members who were in various stages of training. This section of the laboratory is under the direction of Criminalist III Supervisor Tom Abercrombie. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 18 Source: http://www.doksinet Laboratory staff received a total of 9 requests for response to major crime scenes during 2008, slightly less than the previous year. The types of crimes

associated with the requests are shown in the table below Crime Type 187 SC Death 211, Attempted 187 Carjacking Number of Requests 6 1 1 1 The car-jacking was that of State Senator Perata. In all crime scene responses, a minimum of two laboratory staff members responded. Each crime scene involved considerable overtime. Casework Turnaround Times The Division set turnaround time goals for each casework area. The “actual” turnaround time counted was the amount of time from when a case was assigned to an analyst to when the report was published. Not included in the “actual” data is the amount of time elapsed prior to case assignment (referred to as “sit time”), as the analyst has no control over this aspect of case residence in the laboratory. “Sit time” data was captured in some functional areas and is reported where available. The two figures together provide a sense of the average amount of time it takes for a case to be completed. Casework Target (days) Actual

(days) Drug Analysis 24 hours 24 hours Sit time (days) 0 Latent Print • Processing • Comparison • CALID 45 days 45 days None established 15.4 days 17 days 16.1 days 16.3 days 12.9 days 4.1 days Forensic Biology/DNA 90 days 154 days* 60 days Firearms 30 days 105 days* 0 days *A few Forensic Biology cases (18) have been backlogged more than 400 days. When these are factored out, turnaround time drops to 112 days. *A number of firearms cases from 2006 and 2007 were completed in 2008 and are included in the data above. These cases were in the backlog and were worked for trial They skew the data significantly Targets were met or exceeded in Drugs and Latent Print processing casework; they were not met in Forensic Biology and Firearms. A few Forensic Biology cases have been backlogged more than 400 days and they significantly skew the results. When these 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 19 Source: http://www.doksinet cases are backed out, turnaround

time declines to 112 days and still exceeds the 90 day target. The situation is Firearms is simply one of insufficient staff to cover the demand for work. We were unable to fill vacancies with casework qualified people following two recruitments. We have no options but to develop some of those staff internallya time consuming process. Staff members have been conscientious in endeavoring to meet targets. However, they are frequently asked to suspend work on one case in order to start work on another. This juggling of cases is particularly true in the Firearms Unit. While, these interruptions are unavoidable, they are disruptive to turnaround time on any particular case. Staff is well aware that quality is not to be compromised in pursuit of turnaround targets. Division Court Activity The Criminalistics Division received 1,509 subpoenas and made 31 court appearances in 2008. These numbers reflect a 33% increase in subpoenas and a 326 % decrease in court appearances over 2007 activity.

Most of the subpoenas arise from drug cases, however most court appearances involve major crimes against persons. All persons who testified were monitored at least once during the year as required by accreditation standards. Division Quality Assurance Programs The laboratory engages in a variety of programs designed to monitor and ensure the accuracy of its results and the competence of its technical personnel. These programs are collectively known as our Quality Assurance Program. The competence of analysts to conduct casework is assessed by testing at the conclusion of a structured, documented training program. Once advanced to casework, analysts must successfully complete proficiency tests at least once annually in every functional area in which they report casework. DNA analysts must be proficiency tested at least twice During 2008, 17 staff, including the one police officer/IBIS technician and a temporary services contractor in the Firearms Unit, engaged in a total of 32

proficiency tests in 7 different subject areas. Most of these tests (29) were obtained from an external proficiency test provider. Three tests were designed in-house in the areas of IBIS Entry and Biological Screening. Timely and successful completion of these tests is required to maintain accreditation. Performance on these tests has been consistently excellent No misidentifications and no improper eliminations were made in any of the tests for which final data have been received and evaluated. Results were in agreement with the manufacturer’s target data and consensus data in all tests to date. The Forensic Biology/DNA Unit undergoes an external audit annually to assess its compliance with national quality assurance standards. The Unit was audited against more than 100 standards in October 2008, and met all applicable standards. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 20 Source: http://www.doksinet Approximately 10% of non-vegetable material drug cases in which the

controlled substance is determined using chemical microscopy are randomly selected for reanalysis. Reanalysis is conducted on a quarterly basis to monitor the accuracy of drug analysis across cases and analysts. During 2008, a total of 272 cases were reanalyzed No discrepancies were found. The annual reaccreditation report was submitted to ASCLD-LAB in April 2008. Corrective actions were completed by April 30, 2008 on all findings identified in the December 2007 reaccreditation inspection conducted by ASCLD-LAB. The laboratory was reaccredited in May 2008. The laboratory has been accredited continuously since 1983. The laboratory also met its internal requirements for the periodic calibration and maintenance of scientific equipment, and for the quality control testing of reagents prior to their use in casework. Annual internal audits of all laboratory programs are required by accreditation standards. Audits of all casework units and the security and safety programs were conducted in

November and December 2008. Findings were noted, are subject to corrective actions and will be completed as required. The inadequacy of our physical plant remains an issue that imperils future accreditation efforts, causes daily inefficiencies that restrict productivity, and is an obstacle to staff recruitment. Other Performance Data There was no need for corrective action in the Division during 2008 pertaining to applicable indicators listed in DGO A-7 Annual and Departmental Reports. Training Number of Staff 22 Forensic Science Training (hrs) 1,190 Departmental/City Training (hrs) 453 Total (hrs) 1,643 Departmental/city mandated training includes training associated with the NSA. Forensic Science training includes all training across all disciplines and subject matter areas in which laboratory staff is involved and accounts for 72% of the training received. The training ranges from subject matter-specific courses, such as Forensic Microscopy, to multidisciplinary training such

as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Conference. Management training is largely related to laboratory management topics, such as the annual conference of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, but also includes management topics of broader application or management topics chosen 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 21 Source: http://www.doksinet by the Department. All the forensic science/technical training was paid for by grant funds. Professional Credentialing of Scientific Staff Staff is encouraged to seek and obtain nationally recognized, external certification in general criminalistics and in applicable specialty areas. The cost of examinations and yearly dues are paid by the Department. Certification is a consideration in promotion The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers most criminalistics based certifications. The Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) offers specialty certification in Forensic Firearms Analysis

and the International Association for Identification offers certification in Latent Print Examinations. There are 21 employees in the laboratory who are eligible for external certification from one or more of the above listed organizations. At year’s end, 47% (10/21) were certified These 10 individuals hold 12 credentials among them. The table below shows our progress in reaching our goal of full certification for all eligible staff. Eligible Certified % of Eligible Staff Certified Total 21 10 47% ABC Diplomate certification 19 8 42% Specialty Certifications ABC Fellows (DNA, Drug Analysis, Trace Evidence) 13 3 23% 10 2 20% IAI Certified in Latent Prints 2 1 50% AFTE Certified in Firearms 1 1 100% The importance of external credentialing is emphasized to all staff and made a goal in their annual reviews. Regardless of the functional area in which they work, all criminalists are expected to obtain Diplomate certification in General Criminalistics from the ABC

within two years of their hire date. The ABC changed eligibility requirements recently, eliminating the two-year experience required to sit for exams. As a consequence of this programmatic change, the number of certification eligible staff increased significantly from 13 last year to 21 this year, and the percentage of total staff certified declined from 69% in the previous year to 47% this year. Firearms examiners are expected to obtain specialty certification from the Association of Firearms and Toolmarks Examiners (AFTE). Latent Print Examiners are expected to obtain certification in latent print examination from the International Association for Identification. The only eligible firearms examiner has obtained his specialty 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 22 Source: http://www.doksinet certification. One of two eligible Latent Print Examiners has obtained the specialty certification. Several staff members are scheduled to take examinations in 2009. Staff who achieved

certifications this year or who were certified at the time of hire are listed below: • Criminalist II Bonnie Cheng The goal of 100% certification of all eligible staff will be accomplished in due course. The pursuit of advanced degrees is also encouraged. Criminalist Ines Iglesias-Lee was awarded a Master of Science degree in Biology from Florida International University in April 2008. Her thesis was on the topic of Y-STRs Criminalists Cavness, Sentiwany, Weller and Dieu are all enrolled in the Graduate Program in Forensic Science at U.C Davis pursuing advanced degrees. All these scientists are commended for their commitment to excellence and the Department will certainly be a beneficiary of their efforts. Major Accomplishments • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Latent Print Comparison Unit was reopened in January 2008 after a nearly two year closure due to loss of staff. Contract with Contra Costa County for these services ended. Completed an overhaul of

the Latent Print Unit SOP. We filled four of five remaining vacancies with experienced staff. The lab was reaccredited by ASCLD-LAB effective February 14, 2008. Increased the number of weapons entered into IBIS by 32% A staff member was accepted to the BATFE National Firearms Examiner Academy. We wrote and were awarded almost $700,000 in grants. We remodeled the 6th floor office spaces. Achieved a 58% overall hit rate on cases entered and searched in CODIS. Completed validation on new genetic analysis equipment that should increase sample throughput. We forged stronger relationships with the Special Victims Unit, Children’s Hospital, Alameda County DA’s Office, and CALICO, conducted additional training of these groups so that they have a better understanding of the capabilities of the laboratory. Maintained 24-hour turnaround in drugs despite 12% increase in requests. Provided extensive documentation to IAD regarding the search warrant cases. Made progress toward re-establishing a

fire debris/arson program: draft SOP started, basic methodology defined and validation data is now being collected. 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 23 Source: http://www.doksinet Other Accomplishments Awards, Appointment, Professional Activities: Staff were nominated for Department awards, but none were awarded during 2008. We received five letters of appreciation from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for work in various cases. Laura Silva was awarded the California Association of Criminalists Paul Kirk Award as the most promising young forensic scientist in the organizationa truly distinctive honor. Jennifer Mihalovich is serving as President of the California Association of Criminalists, the major criminalistics professional association in the state. Ms. Mihalovich is serving an 18 month appointment to a state task force on forensic science created by AB 1079. This task force will make recommendations on the delivery of crime laboratory services. Their

report is due July 1, 2009 Mary Gibbons continues to serve on a Crime Lab Task Force Advisory and Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Standardization Committees serving the California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors. Laura Silva served on the CAC Crime and Justice and Financial Review Committees. Chani Sentiwany served on the CAC Crime and Justice and Nominating Committees. The State of the Division, Plans and Goals We have been successful in filling our vacancies with excellent, experienced recruits. We have only one vacancy remaining in the Firearms Unit. Division morale is remarkably positive despite onerous work conditions. The state of the Division remains precarious for many reasons. 1) We are constrained by the budget process in several ways: • Lack of technical staff to support the forensic database functionsspecifically IBIS and CALIDthat are available to us and should be employed routinely to solve crime; • Lack of support staff for administrative functions related to

custodial evidence duties and procurement of supplies, which has become increasingly burdensome; • no budget for the last several budget cycles for new or replacement capital equipment for obsolescent instruments; 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 24 Source: http://www.doksinet • • • • portions of the O&M budget are inadequate (e.g funding for equipment service contracts, accreditation, proficiency testing, technical and office supplies); no budget for mandatory training and continuing education of staff apart from a small federal grant, and we have received essentially no support during 2008 from Department training funds; an antiquate laboratory facility inadequate for a staff of our size and complexity seriously impairs productivity and expansion. Over reliance on grants to provide basic equipment and materials. 2) Staffing is severely out of balance with demand for service: • Requests for service are up in almost every casework area • Huge backlogs

exist • Long turnaround times result 3) Position cuts eliminate basic forensic service: • The elimination of the PET position in the Latent Print Unit has decimated our ability to provide this latent print processing service. 4) Significant quality assurance changes lie ahead • The requirements to maintain and improve our quality system increase yearly and have reached the point where a dedicated Quality Assurance supervisor position is required. • This position is also necessary to begin our transition to new accreditation standards (ISO). Work must begin now if we are to be ready with an ISO based program when our current accreditation expires in 2013. Goals and Plans Continue/expand DNA Cold Hit Program for Unsolved Serious Assaults and Homicides Once all trainees are advanced to casework and staff on loan to other units is returned to the Forensic Biology Unit, we will be in a position to make good progress toward the goal of analyzing all sexual assault kits that are

collected by the Department. This is Performance Based Budget goal and was the key reason why the Division was authorized three additional positions for the unit at the FY 06-07 mid-cycle. Restore Latent Print Processing Services To restore this service, the position cut in October 2008 must be restored. Accreditation of the Latent Print Unit Our goal is the reaccredit the Latent Print Unit in the comparison sub-discipline. Since we were not re-opened to comparison casework at the time of the last inspection, we are not accredited in this area. We hope to complete this by mid year 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 25 Source: http://www.doksinet Fill all vacancies in Firearms and train staff: Backlogs in Firearms are huge. We have one casework qualified examiner. The Division has once vacancy in the Firearms Unit at the Criminalist III level. Our goal is to fill this position by mid year, complete the training of one trainee by mid year, and the other by mid year 2010. If

the Criminalist III position is filled by existing personnel, another vacancy will result at the Criminalist II level. Our goal would include filling any such vacancy with an experienced candidate Re-establish Fire Debris Analysis Capability Our goal is to re-establish this program by the end of the year. Progress has been made in training staff, drafting SOPs and conducting validation studies. Quality Assurance Improvements Begin transition to ISO accreditation standards by developing uncertainty of measurement data for critical measurements reported by the laboratory. Staff must also receive training in ISO standards. Complete revision/update of LPU Methods Manual and Training Manuals and revise/update Drug Unit and Firearms Unit SOPs. Install a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Our goal is to contract with a new vendor for the installation of a LIMS and make significant progress toward its installation. OIT is assisting in our project Modern Facility This facility is

47 years old. It is outmoded and inadequate in numerous ways that have been detailed by me and by nationally recognized experts in crime laboratory design. We have developed detailed plans for a new facility that provides growth for 20 years into the future. The current facility prevents expansion in needed areas where we have significant backlogs or need to develop new services, institutionalizes inefficiencies in all existing service areas; and threatens our accreditation status. A new facility is badly needed and essential to the provision of timely, comprehensive and reliable services. Serious consideration should be given to this need in light of the potential for federal stimulus money. Respectfully submitted, Mary M. Gibbons Laboratory Manager 2008 Criminalistics Division Annual Report 26