The State Crime Lab provided their Forensic Update Volume 6, No.1 on Jan. 24, 2022. Attorneys should review the Forensic Update to understand several changes to reports in Drug Chemistry and Toxicology effective Feb. 1, 2022, regarding no longer reporting the schedule of identified substances on drug analysis lab reports and suspending further testing of a toxicology sample if a Schedule I substance or its metabolite is identified in the blood of an individual. Additionally, the Forensic Update contains information about DNA testing of shell casings. Attorneys should review the Forensic Update for a detailed explanation of these and other changes to lab procedures. I post their Forensic Updates here on my website.
Additionally, the State Crime Lab will have their quarterly meeting with the NC Forensic Science Advisory Board on Feb. 1, 2022 from 10-11:15 am. This is a public meeting where the Lab provides a report to their Advisory Board. Attorneys may be interested to attend to learn updated information about the lab’s operations. Also, there is an opportunity for public comment during the meeting. Attorneys can Contact the Crime Lab to RSVP.