NOVA (PBS) aired a program called “Forensics on Trial” on October 17, 2012, examining the crisis facing crime labs in the U.S which lack central oversight, employ few scientific standards, and have poor regulation of examiners. The program investigates how the use of fingerprint, bite mark, ballistics, toolmark, and hair analysis evidence has led to wrongful convictions. The program will examine the 2004 Madrid bombing case in which a so-called fingerprint match was used to arrest an innocent man. The fingerprint was later matched to another suspect. The program will also discuss how mishandling of forensic evidence impacts the criminal justice system, from wrongful convictions to the O.J. Simpson trial. You can read about the details of the program here.
More information is also available on the NOVA website where the program can be viewed online.
I worked in DNA labs during the early days of genetic identification including a trip to the FBI lab in Quantico. I’m also an NC State grad with degrees in Biology and Chemical Engineering. Very cool episode, and I’m glad to see State getting its props!