Virginia Code 9.1-1113: Functions of the Scientific Advisory Committee.
A. The Committee may review laboratory operations of the Department and make recommendations concerning the quality and timeliness of services furnished to user agencies.
Terms Used In Virginia Code 9.1-1113
- Allegation: something that someone says happened.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Process: includes subpoenas, the summons and complaint in a civil action, and process in statutory actions. See Virginia Code 1-237
B. The Committee shall review and make recommendations as necessary to the Director of the Department and the Forensic Science Board concerning:
1. New scientific programs, protocols, and methods of testing;
2. Plans for the implementation of new programs, sustaining existing programs and improving upon them where possible, and the elimination of programs no longer needed;
3. Protocols for testing and examination methods, and guidelines for the presentation of results in court; and
4. Qualification standards for the various scientists of the Department, including the Director.
C. Upon request of the Director of the Department, the Forensic Science Board, or the Governor, the Committee shall review analytical work, reports, and conclusions of scientists employed by the Department. The Committee shall recommend to the Forensic Science Board a review process for the Department to use in instances where there has been an allegation of misidentification or other testing error made by the Department during its examination of evidence.