The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science has recognized the GBI Crime lab for implementing nationally recognized standards for its forensic laboratory system. The state agency voluntarily implemented OSAC standards in 2020.
OSAC, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, promotes standardization in forensic science to bolster public confidence in the work. When applicable standards are added to the OSAC Registry, scientists in the laboratory review them. If the lab is not meeting the standard, they develop a plan to meet it.
To date, 25 U.S. labs have been recognized as OSAC standard implementers. The GBI Crime Lab in Decatur received the first certificate.
“The GBI Crime Lab is committed to providing superior forensic services to our patrons and citizens,” says Crime Lab Director Cleveland Miles. “The work that we do is of the utmost importance, so, the responsibility to do our best is not taken lightly.”
Adds Miles, “We embrace the idea of self-examination and align our processes with the top standards in the forensic field. This is how we drive ourselves as a laboratory system to produce the best quality work product possible. To know better is to do better.”
The GBI Crime Lab currently has five OSAC members and affiliates representing the lab’s Trace Evidence, Drug Identification, & Impressions sections.
