The Indiana State Police would appreciate media support informing the public about the ninth annual National Forensic Science Week occurring Sept. 19-25, 2021.
National Forensic Science Week brings recognition to the role that proper forensic science plays in the investigation of crimes throughout the nation, from exonerating the innocent to identifying the guilty.
For more information about National Forensic Week, visit forensicscienceweek.org.
For information about the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division and the services they provide, visit in.gov/isp/labs.
(From left) ISP Superintendent Doug Carter, Forensic Scientist Hailey Newton, Assistant ISP Laboratory Division Commander Captain Sid Newton and ISP Laboratory Division Commander Major Steve Holland. (Photo provided)
Below are some interesting stats from the past year (2020):
- There were 24,048 new cases submitted for analysis at the four Indiana State Police laboratories.
- Crime Scene Investigators responded to 1,388 different crime scenes throughout the state.
- Polygraph Examiners conducted 444 polygraph tests.
- The total number of Indiana offender samples being searched in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) was more than 373,000. In 2020, there were 708 cases in Indiana linked to a potential suspect by a CODIS DNA match.
Below is the text of Governor Holcomb’s Proclamation:
Whereas, forensic science is a vital public service; and
Whereas, access to quality forensic analysis dramatically improves the investigation of criminal activity, leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of the guilty; and
Whereas, forensic science plays a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention, and is evolving in its role as an important member of the criminal justice community; and
Whereas, crime scene investigators, forensic examiners, and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate, and reliable analyses of evidence recovered from across the nation; and
Whereas, numerous professional organizations have recognized September 19-25, 2021, as National Forensic Science Week; and individuals across the country will be celebrating; and
Whereas, individuals all across the country will be celebrating this event; and
Whereas, the hard-working people that comprise our forensic science organizations deserve universal regard and appreciation for their commitment to proper scientific investigations for the cause of justice;
Now, therefore, I, Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby proclaim September 19-25, 2021 as Forensic Science Week in the State of Indiana, and invite all citizens to duly note this occasion.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of State. Done at the City of Indianapolis, this 13th day of September the year of our Lord 2021 and of the Independence of the United States 246.
By The Governor: Eric Holcomb