Blunt calls for crime-lab review commission

The announcement comes a day after he said the state would financially back a regional crime lab in Springfield. In addition to previously secured financing, the new funding will allow construction of the lab to begin in July.

The six-member commission will review the “ability of state-funded forensic laboratories to provide quality services in a timely manner to law enforcement,” according to a news release from Blunt’s office.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol crime lab system receives more than 23,000 criminal cases each year, according to the release, and the need for a Springfield lab came about because of a backlog of cases at the Jefferson City lab.

The commission will comprise one senior manager from an accredited Missouri crime lab who has experience as a forensic scientist, one sworn administrator from a law enforcement agency, one prosecuting attorney, one defense attorney, one crime victim’s advocate and one Missouri Department of Public Safety representative.

The commission will issue a report to the public safety department that outlines any findings of negligence or misconduct at a lab and recommendations regarding procedural changes. Any negligence or misconduct found will be grounds for revocation or suspension of grant funds, according to the release.

The commission also will continue to meet regularly and provide an annual report to the governor.