Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHILNGTON — (WMAL) D.C.’s Department of Forensic Sciences is working to re-gain its ability to analyze DNA evidence.
A few months ago, D.C.’s forensics lab stopped analyzing DNA samples after an independent audit found it wasn’t processing DNA correctly.
The audit called the lab incompetent.
A new director, Dr. Jenifer Smith, is taking the reigns in an effort to restore the lab’s capabilities and reputation.
“Moving forward the Department of Forensic Sciences will complete all of the internal action steps in response to the independent audit. We will ensure that the forensic biology unit opens as soon as possible,” Smith said at a press conference Friday.
After an extensive search, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser chose Smith from eight finalists for the position. She is the former director of the FBI’s DNA lab.
Bowser said Smith’s decades of experience and good reputation in the scientific community will serve the department well and enable the lab to resume testing samples.
Since the lab closed, the District has been sending evidence to private labs for analysis at an added expense paid for by taxpayers.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Heather Curtis)
