The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has chosen to hire Forward Resolutions LLC, a Wisconsin consulting firm, to conduct an audit of its forensic services division. This decision comes in the wake of a scandal involving a DNA scientist who manipulated testing data for years, leading to potential wrongful convictions. Forward Resolutions will review policies, procedures, testing, quality control, and employee misconduct prevention at the agency. The firm was founded by two former administrators at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories and has proposed a thorough assessment in 85 business days.
The CBI’s internal investigation found issues in 809 cases involving the scientist’s misconduct, prompting state lawmakers to allocate $7.5 million for remediation efforts. Forward Resolutions, one of five bidders, offered a lower price and quicker timeline compared to other competitors. Despite concerns raised by law firm Steptoe regarding the new company’s qualifications, the CBI defended its decision, citing the detailed project plan and cost-effectiveness as determining factors.
Forward Resolutions aims to identify the root causes of the scientist’s misconduct and suggest measures to prevent future errors. The agency is under pressure to address the impact of the scandal on the criminal justice system, with potential appeals expected from affected individuals. The audit is seen as a crucial step towards restoring public trust in the CBI’s forensic services division and ensuring the integrity of its operations.
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