The FBI DNA Laboratory
Report : A Review of Protocol and Practice Vulnerabilities
Today, the Office
of Inspector General (OIG) released a report entitled: The FBI DNA Laboratory:
A Review of Protocol and Practice Vulnerabilities. This report is a
comprehensive assessment of the misconduct of former DNA technician
Jacqueline M. Blake as well as a review of the FBI DNA Laboratory's
protocols and practices. The significance of the OIG's report cannot
be overstated in that it identified potential vulnerabilities which
will create opportunities for improvement.
In April of 2002 the FBI Laboratory detected discrepancies, within Blake's
analysis, regarding the proper use of negative controls for DNA testing.
After an expeditious and thorough review of all active casework within
the Unit, it was confirmed that the discrepancies were limited exclusively
to Blake's work product. The FBI Laboratory immediately developed and
implemented corrective measures to address Blake's actions and subsequently
self reported Blake's misconduct to the OIG through the FBI's Office
of Professional Responsibility.
The FBI Laboratory has been accredited by the American Society of Crime
Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) since
1998. A purpose of laboratory accreditation is to attain a higher level
of quality operations that is reflected within the laboratory services
provided to the criminal justice community. The report released today
has taken yet another step in that direction by enabling the FBI Laboratory
to incorporate additional improvements to the operation of the DNA Laboratory.
A few of the more significant improvements include:
· Incorporation of the corrective measures instituted to address
Blake's misconduct within DNA I operational procedures and manuals.
· Incorporation of suggestions offered by the OIG to improve
the clarity and augment the detail in selected manuals and operational
protocols.
· Enhance the current DNA training program to further capture
the institutional knowledge of senior examiners and reflect advancements
in emerging DNA technologies.
· Acquisition of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
within the FBI Laboratory. Implementation of LIMS will provide managers,
evidence control personnel, examiners, and technicians the tools necessary
to electronically track evidence, provide chain of custody logs, and
produce final reports.
· Establishment of a Process Map of all DNA Unit 1 operations.
Through external facilitation and extensive internal staff participation,
a more uniform operational plan for evidence processing was developed.
This included work-flow diagrams and decision trees, in an effort to
assist examination teams with analytical processing decisions and potentially
increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
The FBI Laboratory also implemented significant operational improvements
and is benefited by its relocation to a state-of-the-art forensic science
laboratory. The facility encompasses nearly 500,000 square feet, houses
25 specialized units, and contains the most contemporary instrumentation
available to support the FBI Laboratory's critical mission.
The FBI Laboratory recognizes the benefits of obtaining outside scrutiny
and review as represented by this OIG report. This report is yet another
example of the laboratory's commitment to support and participate in
various external endeavors. This includes the National Academy of Sciences
report on Bullet Lead Analysis which was commissioned by the FBI Laboratory,
the administration of Scientific Working Groups, partnerships with state
and local agencies for technology advancements, participation in annual
external DNA audits, externally provided proficiency tests as well as
continued accreditation through ASCLD/LAB. Additionally, the FBI Laboratory
has worked closely with ASCLD/LAB toward raising the existing national
accreditation program to an international level.
The FBI Laboratory is committed to the continual process of self-improvement
through input obtained both internally and externally. It is only through
this process that the FBI Laboratory can remain a leader in forensic
science services. The FBI Laboratory appreciates the considerable efforts
extended by the OIG and its external scientists which have significantly
contributed to this process.
See http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/igwhnew1.htm for a copy of the report.
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