NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin has proclaimed Aug. 7-13 as “Kentucky Forensic Science Week” to recognize the importance of forensic science in law enforcement and the hard work of staff at the state crime lab.
In conjunction with the governor’s proclamation, the Kentucky State Police Central Lab will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and Thursday, Aug. 11. Lab personnel will provide tours to local and state officials, staffers and to any public interested in participating.
Forensic Science Week provides an opportunity for public officials and the entire community to learn more about the inner workings of a crime lab and the vital role it plays in our criminal justice system.
Experts at the lab scientifically analyze physical evidence from criminal activities to aid in investigations and assist the judicial system in the event of a trial. In order to handle the thousands of cases involving physical evidence, Kentucky State Police has developed a forensic laboratory system that includes six locations across the Commonwealth, including Frankfort, Madisonville, Ashland, Louisville, London, and Cold Springs.
The governor’s proclamation includes the following declarations:
“WHEREAS: Forensic Science is a vital public service and access to quality forensic analyses dramatically improves the investigation of criminal activity, leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of the guilty;
WHEREAS: Forensic Science plays a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention, and is evolving in its role as an important member of the criminal justice community;
WHEREAS: Crime scene investigators, forensic examiners, and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate, and reliable analyses of evidence recovered from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
WHEREAS: The numerous Forensic Science professional organizations have recognized August 7-13, 2016, as National Forensic Science Week; and individuals all across the country will be celebrating this event;
WHEREAS: The hard working people that compose of our Kentucky State Police Laboratories deserve universal regard and appreciation for their commitment to proper scientific investigations for the cause of justice; be it known that on this 8th day of August, I, Governor Matt Bevin of the State of Kentucky in recognition of this event, do hereby declare August 7- 13, 2016, to be Kentucky Forensic Science Week throughout the Commonwealth and urge residents to express their appreciation for the people, facilities and technologies that make reliable Forensic Science possible in our community.”