Missouri Crime Laboratory Review Commission
The Missouri Crime Laboratory Review Commission (MCLRC) was established within the Department of Public Safety pursuant to Section 650.059 RSMo to provide independent review of any state or local Missouri crime laboratory receiving state-administered funding.
The MCLRC is made up of five members, which includes one senior manager from a crime laboratory within the state of Missouri that is accredited by a body approved by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, one licensed law enforcement officer employed by a county or municipality in a management position, one prosecuting attorney, one criminal defense attorney, and the director of the Department of Public Safety or his or her designee.
Pursuant to Section 650.059.8.2 RSMo, the MCLRC shall have the power to authorize independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by employees or contractors of a Missouri crime laboratory substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results.
Pursuant to Section 650.059.7 RSMo, the term “crime laboratory” shall mean any forensic science laboratory operated or supported financially by the state or any unit of city, county, or other local Missouri government receiving state-administered funding and employing at least one scientist who examines physical evidence in criminal matters, and providing expert or opinion testimony with respect to such physical evidence in a state court of law.
The reporting process of the MCLRC is as follows:
- Any person who has reason to believe that an employee or contractor of a "crime laboratory" as defined in section 650.059.7, RSMo, has committed an act of serious negligence or misconduct that may substantially affect the integrity of forensic results may make a written report to Missouri Crime Laboratory Review Commission by contacting the Missouri Department of Public Safety or any individual member of the Commission.
- Upon receipt of a credible report of serious negligence or misconduct by an employee or contractor of a crime laboratory that may substantially affect the integrity of forensic results, the Commission may conduct an independent investigation into the reported allegation, authorize an independent external investigation, or appoint members to inspection or investigative teams.
- The Commission may issue reprimands to crime laboratories and to employees found to be negligent or engaging in misconduct in the execution of their responsibilities; make recommendations for changes in procedure of crime laboratories found to be negligent in the execution of their responsibilities; and issue reports to the director of the department of public safety summarizing any findings of negligence or misconduct of a crime laboratory or an employee or contractor of a crime laboratory. The Commission may also make recommendations regarding revocation or suspension of grant funding that it deems warranted.
- The Commission will provide a summary of its findings as appropriate to the reporting party, the employee or contractor who is the subject of the reported allegation, and the director of the crime laboratory at which the employee or contractor is or was employed.
More on the Crime Laboratory Review Commission on the State of Missouri Boards and Commissions website.
More on the Complaint Investigation Process
The Missouri Crime Laboratory Review Commission (MCLRC) investigates complaints that allege serious negligence or misconduct by employees or contractors of Missouri's crime laboratories that would substantially affect the integrity of forensic results.
The MCLRC investigates cases subject to its statutory authority. The term "crime laboratory" includes any laboratory operated or supported financially by the state or any unit of city, county, or other local Missouri government that employs at least one scientist, who examines physical evidence in criminal matters and provides expert or opinion testimony with respect to such physical evidence in a state court of law.
The MCLRC will examine the details of your complaint to determine what level of investigation to perform. All complaints are taken seriously. Because of the complex nature of complaints received by the MCLRC, we cannot give you any specific date by which that review may be completed.
While the MCLRC encourages all persons alleging serious negligence or misconduct to sign and certify the complaint, we realize there may be cases where the person submitting the original complaint wishes to do so without disclosing their identity. However, the Commission cannot guarantee your anonymity and filing a complaint without disclosing your identity may impede the investigation process, especially if our ability to contact you is limited.
If contact information is provided, the complainant will receive notification that their complaint was received by the Commission. If the criteria for an investigation are not met or the MCLRC declines to investigate further, you will receive a letter from the MCLRC. If the criteria for an investigation are met , the MCLRC may, when appropriate, send a letter to the laboratory/contractor and/or individual(s) named in the complaint indicating that the MCLRC has received the complaint. We may also need to obtain additional information from you. At the conclusion of an investigation, the Commission will provide a summary of its findings to the Director of the Department of Public Safety and, as appropriate, to the reporting party, the employee or contractor who is the subject of the reported allegation, and the Director of the crime laboratory at which the employee or contract or was employed.
All information and complaints are subject to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 610).
Your cooperation, patience and understanding are appreciated.