Governor Charlie Baker Declares September 18 to 24 Forensic Science Week

• Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory
• Massachusetts State Police
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Boston- Governor Charlie Baker has declared September 18-24, 2022 as Forensic Science Week in Massachusetts. This week marks the 10^th anniversary of National Forensic Science Week, which recognizes the public service of forensic science professionals within the criminal justice system. The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to recognize the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL) and its team of forensic practitioners for supporting public safety and advancing criminal investigations through impartial and reliable scientific examination of physical evidence.

"Forensic science, and the highly-skilled individuals who work in labs conducting these investigations and analyses, play a vital role in the criminal justice system," said Governor Charlie Baker. "We are proud to recognize the forensic science community for their contributions to this critically important field, and their commitment to discovery, integrity and innovation."

"In recognition of forensic science professionals and their important role in the criminal justice system, our administration commends the nationally accredited MSPCL and its practitioners for their public service and wide-ranging technical expertise in areas such as DNA, ballistics, drugs and toxicology, trace evidence and fingerprint analysis," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "Their efforts help support the delivery of justice for victims of violent crimes, and we are grateful for their service."

"We are proud of the dedication and expertise consistently demonstrated by the highly skilled team at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "Forensic Science Week offers an important opportunity to recognize the important contribution of the Commonwealth's forensic investigators and scientists and their critical role in providing unbiased scientific evidence to advance criminal investigations and support the administration of justice."

"I'm extremely proud of the professionals in our Forensic Services Group for their outstanding work in gathering and analyzing evidence across a range of disciplines," said Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. "Their dedication, skills, and training ensure that scientific evidence is examined and presented according to the highest standards of their field, allowing for the fair and unbiased application of such evidence to the criminal justice process."

The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory system with nine locations across the Commonwealth, including a new state-of-the-art evidence storage facility. The highly trained scientists at the Laboratory respond to crime scenes, perform laboratory testing, and provide expert testimony. The lab's scientists conduct forensic analysis in various disciplines, including Criminalistics, DNA, Trace/Arson and Explosives, Drug Chemistry, Ante and Post-Mortem Toxicology, Latent Print and Impression Evidence, and Firearms. Additionally, the Laboratory performs Breath Alcohol Instrument calibrations and collects and processes DNA database samples.

Learn more about the State Crime Lab's work here.

The MSPCL recently achieved national accreditation renewal from the ANSI National Accreditation Board/ANAB, North America's largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body. After a rigorous evaluation, the MSPCL was granted renewal for exemplifying best practices in international testing, calibration standards, and forensic-specific standards.

In recognition of Forensic Science Week, the MSPCL will share information across digital channels about forensic laboratory operations, highlight the inner workings of the lab, and share insights about pursuing a career in forensic science. Follow EOPSS and MSP social to learn more.

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