WASHINGTON — After years, D.C.'s Department of Forensic Services (DCDFS) once again has ANAB accreditation, Mayor Muriel Bowser said. Officials call the accreditation the first step in rebuilding the lab.
(Editor's Note: The video above was published in 2022)
DCDFS lost its accreditation in April 2021 when its accreditation board accused it of “fraudulent behavior,” among other things. A 2022 audit showed the department failed to operate as “an independent part of the justice system,” because of weak legislation, a lack of resources and a decision by prosecutors to act outside the statutory oversight structure.
The crime lab's lack of accreditation has been a serious challenge to prosecuting crimes in the District. U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves has previously blamed, in-part, the lab's accreditation for a prosecution rate that dropped to 33 percent in 2022. That prosecution rate has rebounded in recent months. By the fourth quarter of 2023 the prosecution rate rose to 53 percent according to Graves.
"As an accredited lab, DFS will be able to hire essential experts and staff, enhance its quality assurance system, and further work towards ensuring its experts will be qualified for testing for criminal cases," a statement from the US Attorney's Office reads.
The statement continues to praise the commitment of DFS under the leadership of Interim Director Francisco J. Diaz, MD, FCAP, FASCP.
"We believe that under his leadership DFS will take the additional steps that will be necessary for DFS personnel in these two forensic science units to be accepted by our courts as experts," the statement reads.
The US Attorney's Office says the accreditation is an important mile marker in the journey towards having testifying experts again.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement on X regarding the reaccreditation:
"I am pleased to announce that the Department of Forensic Sciences' (DFS) application for reaccreditation of its Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry Units has been approved. Responsible for testing and analyzing biological substances, including DNA, controlled substances and drugs, these reaccredited units will be supported by MPD investigations and will add to our existing network of outside labs as well as those accessible by the US Attorney. We remain focused on reducing crime and that means ensuring all parts of our public safety and justice ecosystem are working at full capacity. Reaccreditation is a critical step in supporting case closure and affording us another tool to advance justice for victims. I want to especially acknowledge the dedication and experienced leadership of Dr. Diaz and the continued hard work of the DFS scientists and staff."
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