Attorney General issues statement on the State Crime Lab and firearms examinations

Attorney General issues statement on the State Crime Lab and firearms examinations

Published on Tuesday, September 03, 2024

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued the following statement regarding the State Crime Lab and firearms examinations:

"The Rhode Island State Crime Lab recently notified this Office of an issue related to results in a firearms toolmarks examination in a pending criminal case. What this means is that certain evidence, specifically related to the microscopic toolmark analysis of firearms projectiles and shell casings, used in criminal cases may need to be re-examined. This Office is working expeditiously to identify all cases where a firearms examination involving toolmarks analysis was performed so that we can determine whether retesting of evidence by an outside, independent, accredited laboratory is necessary and understand the full scope of any impact, or whether this was an isolated incident.

Separately, on August 21 and 27, 2024, the State Crime Lab Commission met so that the Crime Lab could report on this issue to the Commission. Based on the State Crime Lab's report, the Commission recommended that the Lab take a number of remedial measures including:

• Suspend firearm toolmarks examinations for the time being;
• Arrange and pay for the examination or re-examination of all evidence, by an outside laboratory, as needed and requested by the Office of the Attorney General or law enforcement agencies; and,
• Retain an outside accredited agency, in consultation with the Office of Attorney General and the Rhode Island State Police, to conduct a comprehensive assessment, including technical review of the operations of the firearms section of the State Crime Lab including but not limited to assessment of the lab protocols and procedures, lab management and supervision, and technical proficiency of the toolmarks examiners.

Upon receiving this report from the State Crime Lab, we have briefed the Presiding Justice of the Superior Court and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association. This Office will work with the defense bar to identify and address any potentially impacted case as necessary."

Additional questions concerning the Crime Lab should be directed to the University of Rhode Island.

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