DPS NEWS

State Crime Lab Forensic Scientist Part of Team Providing Assistance to Puerto Rico After Hurricane Damage

Senior Forensic Scientist Manager Jennifer McNair traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a group of other  laboratory directors, leaders and attorneys general from around the country to assist the Puerto Rico Bureau of Forensic Sciences with the enhancement and restoration of their forensic science services.  The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) coordinated the project to provide on-the-ground assistance.

Following the catastrophic damage from Hurricane Maria, the Puerto Rican crime lab has been challenged with getting back on its “forensic feet.” Jennifer worked with their  trace evidence and controlled substance examiners to help them with their processes and techniques, especially with regard to efficiency. The leadership, from Puerto Rico’s Governor to its Commissioner of Public Safety, were very grateful for her and the other experts’ assistance.

“It was a privilege to work with the laboratory staff and managers, and this was one of the most rewarding assignments in my 25-year career at DPS,” Jennifer said. “Each of the forensic experts will be submitting a report of our observations to ASCLD and NAAG  with the hope of influencing the decision makers in Puerto Rico to bring about some positive changes to forensic services in this U.S. territory.”

State Crime Lab Director Jay Henry noted, “I think we’re fortunate to have someone of Jennifer’s exceptional competence and leadership working with us in Utah and that she was requested by another professional entity to help another struggling forensic provider.”