CFSO Calls for Roundtable to Develop National Strategy for Advancing Forensic Sciences in the United States
Source PRN, PRNOTW
DENVER , Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAFS Convention -- With tomorrow's release of the Forensics Study by the National Academy of Sciences, The Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations (CFSO) has announced that:
-- Peter Marone , CFSO chairman, will be available to the media for comment on the Forensics Study after it is released by the National Academy of Sciences on Wednesday, February 18th at 1:00 pm EST . A 37-year veteran of the forensic-science profession, Mr. Marone served as a committee member to the NAS study. He is also Director of the Department of Forensic Science for the Commonwealth of Virginia .
-- CFSO Roundtable on the NAS Study - As a result of the report, the consortium will convene a meeting to craft its strategy for addressing the needs of the Forensic Sciences in the United States . The meeting will include all major stakeholders and is tentatively scheduled for March 10th in Washington D.C.
"The CFSO has long called for a comprehensive review of the state of forensics in this country," said CFSO chairman Peter Marone . "The Consortium would like to thank Senator Richard Shelby , (R-AL) for his vision and leadership in requesting this and we would also recognize the National Academy for its role in authoring this landmark study."
The CFSO regards the NAS study as an important opportunity to carefully review its findings, and develop a comprehensive plan for moving the industry forward with research, training, accreditation, and updated equipment. As a first step, the organization has sent invitations to its meeting to all major stakeholders, including:
National Governors Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, International Association of Chiefs of Police, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU-National Capital Area, American Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Sheriffs' Association.
"We look forward to working with policymakers to draft the legislation necessary to make these advancements in the profession possible," said Chairman Marone.
About CFSO: Formed in 2000, CFSO is an association of six forensic science professional organizations: American Academy of Forensic Sciences; American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors; American Society of Crime Lab Directors - Laboratory Accreditation Board; Forensic Quality Services; International Association for Identification; and National Association of Medical Examiners. These professional organizations together represent more than 12,000 forensic science professionals across the United States .
The mission of the CFSO is to speak with a single forensic science voice in matters of mutual interest to its member organizations, to influence public policy at the national level and to make a compelling case for greater federal funding for public crime laboratories and medical examiner offices. The primary focus of the CFSO is local, state and national policymakers, as well as the United States Congress.
The CFSO interacts on a regular basis with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), various components of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and others to include the United States Congress. For more, visit: www.thecfso.org.
SOURCE The Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations