tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post2247368121679260916..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Crime lab workers suffer from "team spirit" mentalityGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-30262582155069506052008-07-14T21:26:00.000-05:002008-07-14T21:26:00.000-05:00This article poses so many real problems that are ...This article poses so many real problems that are connected to the exoneration of suspects with DNA "evidence". At the core of it all is an issue that is going to have to be addressed before even any of these noticable issues are addressed if we are going to make an effective change within the prosecutorial process in any state which is: the hiring process and the processes and means of evaluating the integrity and professionalism of those we place in these positions that require individuals who can work under such atmospheres without getting involved personally or politically and are able to withstand the pressures of what it takes to be a noble and humble public servant. Anymore, I can only ever ask the question..."Do such people even exist?"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-91635943325971380902008-07-11T12:58:00.000-05:002008-07-11T12:58:00.000-05:00I realize the lab is not being run by the scientif...I realize the lab is not being run by the scientific community.<BR/><BR/>I just conclude that medical technology work is an objective scientific type endeavor. The rules of that occupation are generally speaking "the scientific method."<BR/><BR/>Running the lab in an effective and accurate way involves the same kind of good business practice that applies to the operation of many kinds of businesses as well as to local government operations and all governmental entities. Close monitoring and testing for accuracy. Watching employees behavior. Getting rid of employees who do not do their jobs correctly. Caring about honesty and quality.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-9857377304303738452008-07-11T12:48:00.000-05:002008-07-11T12:48:00.000-05:00@Above Anon:You draw a conclusion that the lab its...@Above Anon:<BR/><BR/>You draw a conclusion that the lab itself is being run by the scientific community. I believe your process is incorrect however. The Lab is run(oversight) by law enforcement, who are under more and more pressure to make that arrest no matter what. Antoher error in deciding that it should be fair, is that it is also paid for by the state, and we know who runs the state.. The whole idea that a government controlled and funded crime lab could possibly be fair or atleast neutral in this day and age is impossible, as it is that crime lab that allows for the next generation of legislation to be enacted to further strip the Bill of Rights from the People of the United States.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-31755625688684308102008-07-11T07:54:00.000-05:002008-07-11T07:54:00.000-05:00"This notion that scientists are on one or another..."This notion that scientists are on one or another "side" of a criminal case leads to a situation where the basic tenets of science - particularly open mindedness and objectivity - become distorted in the service of an agenda. The adversarial system is designed to vet evidence, but indigent defendants cannot pay for private labs and don't have authority without a judge's approval to request specific tests from the state run laboratories."<BR/><BR/>I guess I am called a "conservative". Also, I am a Christian, but cannot find a church and do not think GWB and his "Christian right" supporters are Christians. I used to believe in capital punishment, but it is this very subject of crime labs manufacturing evidence that makes me no longer advocate capital punishment. The poor and downtrodden of our society have been treated grossly unjustly for many years and in many ways. We do not have justice for crime suspects in Texas. We have the a Just-Us system.<BR/><BR/>One would think crime lab operations would be "scientific" and objective and operate with good solid internal control procedures. Of course, not so, and not so for probably decades.<BR/>(Google Dr. Frederiok Whitehurst, former head of the national FBI crime lab.)<BR/><BR/>There are two sides to all of this DNA and urine and blood testing. It can be splendid solid evidence if tests are conducted honestly. (Sloppiness falls under the term "honestly" and unfortunately the word "sloppy" (or incompetence) is used to HIDE dishonesty/corruption. An honest lab manager has controls in place that quickly identify incompetent employees and there are plenty of people needing jobs these days. Lack of money for the program is no excuse. If you really want to run things right, you can. All tt takes is character and personal discipline, but these days a manager/employee with those attributes is kicked out faster than a New York minute.<BR/><BR/>But the other side of this biometric identification system is ugly and Orwellian. You can get screwed by it and murdered or put in prison for this system's proper as well as sloppy functioning. Individuals lose their Creator endowed unalienable rights under this brave new world technology.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com