Dry-labbing is a term when a forensic lab does not actually do testing documentation otherwise suggests were performed. Read more.
What is “dry labbing?
Dry labbing is when supplement companies produce products that they claim to analyze for contents, but the analyses are actually being fabricated. That is, the products were “tested” in reference labs that use a process called dry lab analysis. These labs did no actual laboratory work at all, but rather just produced a certificate...
Is dry-labbing a crime?
Dry-labbing is not an error—it’s a crime—but if it goes undiscovered, there is a problem with error management. The cost of these cases, whether the result of simple mistakes or criminal malfeasance, have been incalculable.
Did a crime lab dry lab your blood?
Mayr and Carter obtained an order from a judge requiring the crime lab to produce all records related to the testing of their client’s blood. The records revealed what appears to be one of the most egregious acts that a laboratory could commit: dry-labbing.
Is the forensic science industry taking a proactive approach to error management?
But the forensic science industry has been slow to adopt a proactive approach to error management, despite the fact that in the courtroom, as much as in the air or on the operating table, lives are often at stake.
How is dry evidence collected?
Arson evidence is usually collected in air-tight, clean metal cans. Only large quantities of dry powder should be collected and stored in plastic bags.
What are wet forensics?
“'Trace' or 'wet' forensics: where a laboratory carries out one of a series of standard tests to identify or match some material found at a scene of crime or associated with an individual.
What forensic technique is seen as reliable?
The Report, written by the US President's Science and Technology advisors (PCAST), concludes that DNA analysis is the only forensic technique that is absolutely reliable.
What is soil analysis forensics?
Forensic Soil Analysis is the use of soil science and other disciplines (e.g., geo- chemistry and geology) to aid in criminal investigations. Since each soil possesses unique properties that serve as identification markers, soils can be traced and matched to each other.
How is dry blood collected at a crime scene?
Dried Blood StainsOn clothing, if possible, wrap the item in clean paper, place the article in a brown paper bag or box and seal and label container. ... On small solid objects, send the whole stained object to the Laboratory, after labeling and packaging.More items...
How is wet evidence collected?
Evidence that is wet or that may contain body fluids (blood, semen, etc.) must be air-dried completely. Such items should be packaged in paper bags/boxes. Known samples can be collected by rubbing sterile swabs against the cheek, inside the mouth.
What forensic evidence is considered unreliable?
Evidence is not always readily available and the evidence that is gathered may not be accurate. Many pieces of evidence, like fingerprints and blood samples gathered at a scene, are circumstantial. This basically means that they are not nearly as reliable as they are depicted on television.
Which methods of identification are the most reliable and why?
The most reliable method of identification is fingerprints. Ridge patterns on fingers can be classified in order to identify specific individuals. In the early 1900s, the New York City Civil Service Commission adopted the use of fingerprints for personal identification.
Which is more accurate DNA or fingerprints?
Compared to fingerprint evidence alone, DNA was far more likely to lead to suspects and result in arrests. In crime scenes where biological evidence was collected and tested, DNA evidence was five times more likely than fingerprints to yield a suspect and nine times more likely to lead to an arrest.
Why should soil be dry when making comparisons forensics?
In most forensics cases, only about one cup of the top layer of soil needs to be collected. Samples are dried before testing, to prevent further decomposition of the material in the soil.
Why is soil used in criminal investigation?
Soils information can help law enforcement professionals understand a localized area for crime scene investigations, the likelihood of a burial or clandestine grave, and the movement of scent when using human remains detection dogs.
What are the five ways to analyze soil evidence?
Forensic soil scientists use different methods to analyse this soil evidence including visual analysis, light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction analysis.
It Gets Worse
While the dry labbing news in New Jersey is not good, an even more troubling situation seems to be brewing in Massachusetts and some of its surrounding states. The concerns revolve around a series of high-profile incidents that involve drug lab technicians:
Testing, Testing
Since these discoveries, New Jersey has taken action to implement improved testing procedures that are less prone to falsification and fraudulence.
Trouble In Florida
Joseph Graves — Joey to his friends — is an important man in Florida law-enforcement circles. A supervisor overseeing six analysts at the state crime lab in Pensacola, where’s been working for 15 years, Graves has handled the evidence for nearly 2,600 cases, working for 80 law-enforcement agencies spanning 35 counties.
A Lack Of Oversight
One might expect the massive fallout from cases like Graves' to lead to increased scrutiny of labs, but so far it hasn’t happened. In part, that’s because no national authority has oversight. Crime labs are generally run by states, local authorities, or private organizations.
The Trouble With Accreditation
Between 1974 and 1977, the first, and so far only, national examination of forensic science labs was conducted. Over 200 labs participated, illustrating their capabilities through a series exercises and tests.
Bad Science, Wrongful Convictions
In more than half of the 316 DNA exonerations nationwide since 1989, flawed forensic science contributed to the outcome, according to the Innocence Project.
A Possible Fix
There is one hopeful effort. On March 28, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced legislation that would transform the nation’s forensic practices.
