Welcome  to this quarter’s issue of the DDC Link! Through this newsletter, we hope to offer valuable information about DNA forensic testing that may help you with your forensic cases.

This issue's articles include:

• The NAS Study: What's Right in Forensics Today
• 13 Recommendations from the NAS Study
• Ohio Exonerees Visit DDC's Laboratory
• DDC's Laboratory Accreditations

We welcome your feedback regarding our newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please send us an email or give us a call using the contact information listed to the left.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the DDC Link!

Dr. Michael Baird
Laboratory Director

The National Academy of Sciences concluded that the current forensic science disciplines, with the notable exception of DNA analysis, vary widely in capacity, oversight, staffing, certification and accreditation. Existing data suggest that forensic laboratories are under resourced and understaffed, which contributes to backlogs and likely makes it difficult for laboratories to adequately inform investigations, provide strong evidence for prosecutions and avoid errors. 

Summary of the National Academy of Sciences’ 13 Recommendations from “Strengthening Forensic Science in the US: A Path Forward”

1. Establish the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS)

2. NIFS should establish standard terminology used in reports and testimony

3. NIFS should fund peer reviewed research

4. Remove all public labs from administrative control of law enforcement or prosecutors

5. NIFS should encourage research on human observer bias and sources of human error

6. Develop standards that reflect best practices

7. Mandatory lab accreditation and individual certification

8. Establish routine quality assurance and quality control

9. Establish a national code of ethics for all forensic science disciplines

10. Improve and develop graduate education programs in forensic science

11. Improve medicolegal death investigation by establishing a medical examiner system and doing away with the coroner system

12. Achieve nationwide fingerprint data interoperability with baseline standards

13. Work with other agencies to maximize evidentiary value

Two recent Ohio exonerees visited DDC's facilities recently to learn about the DNA testing process that changed the course of their lives and proved their claims of innocence true. Robert McClendon was released in August 26, 2008, and Joseph Fears was released March 10, 2009—a little over a week before their visit to DDC.

Accompanied by members of the Ohio Innocence Project, they were welcomed by DDC's Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Moscovitz. They toured DDC's laboratories, and were shown the microscope and genetic analyzers that Dr. Julie Heinig, DDC's chief forensic scientist, used to test samples from McClendon's case.

Robert McClendon and Dr. Julie Heinig, in front of the
genetic analyzer that helped prove his innocence.

The tour ended with a speech by McClendon in front of DDC employees. The visit was emotional for both the exonerees and DDC employees. "This is such a humbling experience for me," said McClendon. "I know that this could not have happened without a joint effort." He talked of establishing a foundation to help those who have been wrongfully convicted, and his desire to push for stronger evidence preservation laws in Ohio.

Dr. Moscovitz expressed DDC's continuing commitment to the Ohio Innocence project, saying, "These are two very special visitors. In prison as innocent men, they were leading lives that were in turmoil and agony. DDC is very committed to helping the Ohio Innocence Project with their efforts on these cases." DDC provides testing for the Ohio Innocence Project pro bono, and to other state Innocence Projects at a reduced rate.

For more information:
Ohio Innocence Project - University of Cincinnati Press Release

It'sNot Just a Specimen, It's a Life" - DDC Forensics Blog

"Test of Convictions"- The Columbus Dispatch

DDC participates in the following accreditation programs:

	ASCLD/LAB-International | American Society of Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board-International
	AABB | Formerly the American Association of Blood Banks
	CAP | College of American Pathologists
	CLIA | Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act
	NYSDOH | New York State Department of Health

DDC has achieved perfect ratings in its past 13 laboratory inspections.