State of Rhode Island Forensic Science Improvement & Accreditation

The Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory (RISCL) will use FY19 Coverdell funding to purchase a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that will allow primer gun shot residue evidence and other types of evidence to be analyzed “in-house” to avoid the continual reliance on the use of a secondary laboratory. The Department of Health Laboratory will use funds to maintain accreditation status by undergoing a full re-accreditation assessment and to support training and continuing education of analysts. The Office of the Medical Examiners (OSME) will use funds for the following goals and objectives: 1) improving the quality and efficiency of OSME operations by enhancing infrastructure and maintaining accreditation; 2) improving the educational experience of medical residents receiving forensic pathology training; 3) formally educating recently hired scene investigators on “Medicolegal Death Scene Investigation”; and 4) ensuring all currently certified OSME scene investigators remain certified and that newly trained scene investigators are prepared and registered to sit for the certification examination. The Rhode Island State Police Forensic Services Unit (FSU) will apply for reaccreditation by using funds to support continuing education and training for analysts, provide necessary certification for analysts, and to purchase equipment. NCA/NCF