| Title: | Forensic Science Commission, Illinois | | Contact Name: | Illinois State Police | | Contact Comments: | | | Function: | The Commission shall:
(1) Provide guidance to ensure the efficient delivery
of forensic services and the sound practice of forensic
science.
(2) Provide a forum for discussions between forensic
science stakeholders to improve communication and
coordination and to monitor the important issues impacting
all stakeholders.
(3) Take a systems-based approach in reviewing all
aspects of the delivery of forensic services and the sound
practice of forensic science with the goal of reducing or
eliminating the factors and inefficiencies that contribute
to backlogs and errors, with a focus on education and
training, funding, hiring, procurement, and other aspects
identified by the Commission.
(4) Review significant non-conformities with the sound
practice of forensic science documented by each publicly
funded forensic laboratory and offer recommendations for
the correction thereof.
(5) Subject to appropriation, provide educational,
research, and professional training opportunities for
practicing forensic scientists, police officers, judges,
State's Attorneys and Assistant State's Attorneys, Public
Defenders, and defense attorneys comporting with the sound
practice of forensic science.
(6) Collect and analyze information related to the
impact of current laws, rules, policies, and practices on
forensic crime laboratories and the practice of forensic
science; evaluate the impact of those laws, rules,
policies, and practices on forensic crime laboratories and
the practice of forensic science; identify new policies
and approaches, together with changes in science, and
technology; and make recommendations for changes to those
laws, rules, policies, and practices that will yield
better results in the criminal justice system consistent
with the sound practice of forensic science.
(7) Perform such other studies or tasks pertaining to
forensic crime laboratories as may be requested by the
General Assembly by resolution or the Governor, and
perform such other functions as may be required by law or
as are necessary to carry out the purposes and goals of the
Commission prescribed in this Section.
(8) Ensure that adequate resources and facilities are
available for carrying out the changes proposed in
legislation, rules, or policies and that rational
priorities are established for the use of those resources.
To do so, the Commission may prepare statements to the
Governor and General Assembly identifying the fiscal and
practical effects of proposed legislation, rules, or
policy changes. Such statements may include, but are not
limited to: the impact on present levels of staffing and
resources; a professional opinion on the practical value
of the change or changes; the increase or decrease the
number of crime laboratories; the increase or decrease the
cost of operating crime laboratories; the impact on
efficiencies and caseloads; other information, including
but not limited to, facts, data, research, and science
relevant to the legislation, rule, or policy; the direct
or indirect alteration in any process involving or used by
crime laboratories of such proposed legislation, rules, or
policy changes; an analysis of the impact, either directly
or indirectly, on the technology, improvements, or
practices of forensic analyses for use in criminal
proceedings; together with the direct or indirect impact
on headcount, space, equipment, instruments,
accreditation, the volume of cases for analysis,
scientific controls, and quality assurance. | | Term: | 4 years | | Senate Confirmation: | Yes | | Qualifications: | See composition. | | Compensation: | Expenses | | Composition: | The Commission shall be composed of the
Director of the Illinois State Police, or his or her designee,
together with the following members appointed for a term of 4
years by the Governor with the advice and consent of the
Senate:
(1) One crime laboratory director or administrator
from each publicly funded forensic laboratory system.
(2) One member with experience in the admission of
forensic evidence in trials from a statewide association
representing prosecutors.
(3) One member with experience in the admission of
forensic evidence in trials from a statewide association
representing criminal defense attorneys.
(4) Three forensic scientists with bench work
background from various forensic disciplines (e.g., DNA,
chemistry, pattern evidence, etc.).
(5) One retired circuit court judge or associate
circuit court judge with criminal trial experience,
including experience in the admission of forensic evidence
in trials.
(6) One academic specializing in the field of forensic
sciences.
(7) One or more community representatives (e.g.,
victim advocates, innocence project organizations, sexual
assault examiners, etc.). | | Chair: | Designated by the Governor | | Authority: | 20 ILCS 2605/2605-615 |
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