SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 49

(By Senators Plymale, Yost, Stollings, Snyder, Beach, Carmichael, Laird, Jenkins, D. Hall, Green, McCabe, Wells, Prezioso and Fitzsimmons)

Recognizing the Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory and its achievements as a key component in the criminal justice system supporting West Virginia and the nation.

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory is one of the nation’s only university-based and accredited forensic DNA testing laboratories; and

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory serves as the data, record and sample archive for the convicted offenders database in West Virginia; and

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory has assisted in crime laboratories with DNA testing and analysis of sexual assault kits and property crime evidence in West Virginia and other jurisdictions throughout the nation; and

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory has provided relationship testing in support of human identification for the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and other states; and

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory has provided the infrastructure necessary for the West Virginia State Police Digital Forensic Unit to investigate computer-based crimes within the state; and

    Whereas, The Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory has served as a training center for members of crime laboratories, law enforcement and sexual assault nurse examiners across the nation; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby recognizes the Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory and its achievements as a key component in the criminal justice system supporting West Virginia and the nation; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Senate strongly encourages the Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory, current and future, to continue existing partnerships and cultivate new partnerships with state and local law-enforcement agencies, and to engage in activities that promote and enhance the West Virginia criminal justice system; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Marshall University Forensic Science Center DNA Laboratory.