STATE OF CONNECTICUT FORENSIC LAB

                             RECEIVES REACCREDITATION

   The Connecticut Department of Public Safety Division of Scientific Services has received notice of reaccreditation of the Forensic Science Laboratory by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board.  (ASCLD/LAB).

   ASCLD/LAB is a voluntary program in which any crime laboratory may participate. To receive accreditation, a forensic laboratory must demonstrate that the management operations,  personnel procedures,  equipment,  physical plant,  security,  and health and safety procedures meet the established international standards.

   This accreditation is a part of the Connecticut’s Forensic Science Laboratory quality assurance program, which also includes proficiency testing, continuing education, and other programs to help the Laboratory provide overall service that meets or exceeds the expectations of the criminal justice system.

   Accreditation is granted to a Forensic Laboratory for a five (5) year period, provided that a laboratory continues to meet ASCLD/LAB standards including completion of an annual accreditation review and audit.

   The State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory was first accredited in 2001. To maintain this accreditation the Forensic Laboratory must submit to a new application for accreditation every 5^th year and then undergo an on-sight inspection by a team of scientists.  The following sections of the laboratory were inspected this year: Forensic Biology, Chemistry DNA, including Nuclear, DNA databank, and mitochondrial DNA programs, fingerprints, firearms, and tools and marks, trace, and questioned documents.

   Pubic Safety Commissioner John A. Danaher III was on hand today to receive the official Document of Reaccredidation. During the ceremony, Commissioner Danaher expressed his thanks and appreciation for the hard work of all the laboratory scientists and employees for the exceptional work that they do for the people of Connecticut.

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LT. J.Paul Vance