Science Thursday – August 2, 2012

08.02.12

The U.S. forensic pathologist shortage, fallout from problems at a Minnesota crime lab, and New York State’s burgeoning medical examiner system—here’s this week’s round up of forensic news:
The Wall Street Journal reports that there is a

shortage

of forensic pathologists – an estimated 1,000 fewer forensic pathologists than are needed to provide adequate coverage in the United States.

Scrutiny

of the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab has drawn attention to 18 other police crime labs in Minnesota that may also be operating under poor standards.
 The Star Tribune profiles the county public defenders who helped discover

systemic failings

at the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab.

Plans

to replace a New York county’s coroner system with a medical examiner are underway and should be implemented by the first of the year.

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