A. The Committee may review laboratory operations of the Department and make recommendations concerning the quality and timeliness of services furnished to user agencies.
B. The Committee shall review and make recommendations as necessary to the Director of the Department and the Forensic Science Board concerning:
1. New scientific programs, protocols, and methods of testing;
2. Plans for the implementation of new programs, sustaining existing programs and improving upon them where possible, and the elimination of programs no longer needed;
3. Protocols for testing and examination methods, and guidelines for the presentation of results in court; and
4. Qualification standards for the various scientists of the Department, including the Director.
C. Upon request of the Director of the Department, the Forensic Science Board, or the Governor, the Committee shall review analytical work, reports, and conclusions of scientists employed by the Department. The Committee shall recommend to the Forensic Science Board a review process for the Department to use in instances where there has been an allegation of misidentification or other testing error made by the Department during its examination of evidence.
2005, cc. 868, 881.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 9.1 - Commonwealth Public Safety
Chapter 11 - Department of Forensic Science
§ 9.1-1100. Department of Forensic Science created; Director
§ 9.1-1100.1. Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail
§ 9.1-1101. Powers and duties of the Department
§ 9.1-1101.1. Purchase of forensic laboratory services
§ 9.1-1102. Department to be isolated; security and protection of evidence
§ 9.1-1103. Forensic Science Academy
§ 9.1-1104. Rights of accused person or his attorney to results of investigation or to investigation
§ 9.1-1105. Reexamination by independent experts
§ 9.1-1106. Disposal of certain hazardous materials
§ 9.1-1107. Disposal of certain other property after analysis
§ 9.1-1108. Disposal of property held by Department for more than 15 years
§ 9.1-1109. Forensic Science Board; membership
§ 9.1-1110. Functions of Forensic Science Board
§ 9.1-1111. Scientific Advisory Committee; membership