Forensic Scientists Say State Police Gave In To Political Pressure With Crime Lab Policy

[bobandtorey]

A new State Police crime lab policy is sparking criticism from a growing number of forensic scientists.

 

 

 

 

A number of forensic scientists say a new Michigan State Police crime lab policy is leading to unfair criminal charges. The policy says lab reports should not list the origin of THC in marijuana products unless there’s visible plant material in the sample. That allows prosecutors to argue in court that the substance is synthetic THC – which carries heavier penalties than plant-based pot products.

A professor emeritus of Forensic Science at Michigan State University, Jay Siegel believes the policy change is the result of political pressure to target medical marijuana patients. 

The Michigan State Police says the policy change was needed to create consistency between crime labs across the state. 

“And if that’s the case, that’s deplorable. All the things I ever taught those students was that you have to be a scientist here. You have to be true to the science and not the political or any other kind of pressure.”

 

http://wemu.org/post/forensic-scientists-say-state-police-gave-political-pressure-crime-lab-policy#stream/0

Edited January 19, 2016 by zapatosunidos

[+Malamute]

MSP:

 

' Corruption should be consistent at all labs.'

[phaquetoo]

http://wemu.org/post/third-marijuana-legalization-group-chooses-push-medical-pot-overhaul-instead#stream/0

[zachw]

"The Michigan State Police says the policy change was needed to create consistency between crime labs across the state. "

 

Yeah, I heard this a coupla times yesterday on NPR. They are so full of horse shzit. NOTHING to do with science, EVERYTHING to do with anti-cannabis politics.

[knucklehead bob]

MSP:

 

' Corruption should be consistent at all labs.'

 

That's right ! Everyone in Law Enforcement , in the Prosecutors Office , and the Judge have to believe and tell the same lie !

[AmishRnot4ganja]

Fudging tests in order to convict someone of a crime is criminal behavior. Someone needs to be held accountable for this breach of the public trust.

[zachw]

From what I can see, media are covering this as a "scandal" and a number of lawyers are in on complaints against the Michigan State Police forensic division.

 

Is this something that one's state representative would have input on? (I.e., is it worth writing to him/her?)

Edited January 19, 2016 by zachw

[Wild Bill]

Maybe Sen. Rick Jones can head up a committee to investigate it.

[+washtenaut]

Probably Schuette will want to get right on this, eh?

[t-pain]

i asked zap if he was going to report this prosecutor to the ag office , you know, make an official report about it.

 

has schuette gone after any prosecutors during his term?

any police for perjury? or other crime? anything?

 

hes charged a few cops anyway http://michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-58056---,00.html

[bobandtorey]

Thanks 

 

If anyone does i'd move to another State before hand it's just my own opinion

[bobandtorey]

Great news a wrong being righted the times are a changing tor the Sick here in Michigan  and Thanks to Max and all the people helping  out

Edited January 21, 2016 by bobandtorey