EDITORIAL: "Extra set of eyes," published by the Telegram on February 12, 2014.
GIST: "The Boston Bar Association Monday called for an independent audit process to be added to the oversight of state drug labs, warning that an agency independent of the criminal prosecution apparatus is necessary in order to avoid a repeat of the scandal involving former lab worker Annie Dookhan, whose tampering with test results has invalidated thousands of convictions and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. We concur with the BBA's recommendations, and urge Gov. Patrick and the Legislature to take all necessary steps, as soon as possible, to add truly independent oversight.
Massachusetts has made some progress since the full extent of Ms. Dookhan's misconduct was revealed. Unfortunately, the primary lesson learned from her crimes was just how woefully inadequate and lax oversight and safeguard procedures were at the labs handling highly sensitive evidence for thousands of criminal cases. While we believe the vast majority of lawyers, prosecutors, police officers, technicians, and supervisors involved in handling evidence and analyzing the technical aspects of prosecutions are honest and hard-working, the Dookhan case offers all the evidence one needs that unpleasant and expensive surprises can occur.........In order to restore public confidence in crime lab procedures, another independent overseer is needed. Lawmakers and the governor should implement the BBA's recommendation."
The entire editorial can be found at:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20140212/NEWS/302129987/-1/NEWS04
PUBLISHER'S NOTE:
Dear Reader. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog. We are following this case.
I have added a search box for content in this blog which now encompasses several thousand posts. The search box is located near the bottom of the screen just above the list of links. I am confident that this powerful search tool provided by "Blogger" will help our readers and myself get more out of the site.
The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/
Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at:
http://smithforensic.blogspot.ca/2013/12/the-charles-smith-award-presented-to_28.html
I look forward to hearing from readers at:
hlevy15@gmail.com.
Harold Levy: Publisher; The Charles Smith Blog.
