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Forensic Lab and Medical Examiner Describe Reaccreditations, DNA Backlog Work and Rapid Identification after Potomac Crash
Summary
Department of Forensic Sciences and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported multiple reaccreditations, continuing backlog reduction and close coordination with federal DMORT teams to identify victims of the Jan. 29 Potomac collision. Leaders said re‑establishing accreditation, rebuilding staff capacity and in‑house evidence processing are
The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) told the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on March 5 that both agencies have regained critical scientific accreditations, reduced casework backlogs and played central roles in identification after the Jan. 29 mid‑air collision over the Potomac.
Interim DFS director Dr. Francisco Diaz said the laboratory restored accreditation for multiple units: the Forensic Biology Unit and Forensic Chemistry Unit previously, and the Latent Fingerprint (friction‑rich) Unit in January 2025. He said reaccreditation and a renewed “culture of quality” will allow the lab to bring more forensic work in house and improve turnaround times. DFS Chief Science Officer Dr. Jennifer Love said the lab’s combined strategy — using on‑site capacity plus strategic outsourcing during…
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