Innocence Project Co-Director Peter Neufeld Appointed to National Forensic Science Commission

Today the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced its appointments for the first-ever National Forensic Science Commission. Innocence Project Co-Director Peter Neufeld was appointed to serve on the commission. Members of the commission will work to improve the practice of forensic science by developing guidance concerning the intersections between forensic science and the criminal justice system. The commission also will work to develop policy recommendations for the U.S. Attorney General, including uniform codes for professional responsibility and requirements for formal training and certification.

 

Upon learning of his appointment, Neufeld said: “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, who represent scientists, law enforcement, forensic scientists, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges, to ensure that the forensic evidence that is used in criminal prosecutions is scientifically validated, of the highest quality and the most reliable. I hope that our work together will help to improve the accuracy of investigations and convictions for the benefit of crime victims, law enforcement and public safety. I am also particularly pleased to be working with a number of distinguished world class scientists who will be essential to connecting the criminal justice community with the scientific principles needed to improve forensic science.”