DNA lab analysts unqualified - Review finds education, training lacking

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2085350

None of the analysts who worked in the Houston Police Department's discredited DNA lab were qualified by education and training to do their jobs, based on national standards and a Houston Chronicle review of their personnel files.

Only one of the lab's DNA analysts had completed all the required college courses, which include statistics, genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology, mandated by the DNA Advisory Board Quality Assurance Standards. And none of the 11 employees had sufficient formal training to meet those standards, which Texas law requires all crime labs to meet by 2004.

Nor were the analysts regularly tested to see if they had mastered skills learned from their colleagues in the lab's informal and undocumented peer-mentoring program.

Widespread problems prompted the closure of the DNA lab in December and the review of hundreds of cases processed there. To date, 49 cases have been retested and significant problems have been found in 13. The city plans to reopen the DNA lab next year but has not said whether it will retain the same employees.

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[LittleApple81]

1. Oh, no, Texas again? How many things can go wrong in that state?

The funny thing is that most of the things that go wrong will hurt the poor and the minorities. People with no influence or money to buy it.

[rock]

2. How many things can go wrong in that state?

It's a big state.

[kutastha]

3. Not surprising

I did my PhD in molecular bio doing DNA analysis similar to what they describe here. We often had undergrads and lab techs who hadn't even taken any of the listed courses. It was easy to teach the techniques, as they're similar to following a recipe. It's the analysis of the data that I wouldn't trust in their hands. The stuff isn't really all that difficult, but when time is a factor and someone's life is in your hands, I'd think they'd hire qualified people. Maybe they should send the data overseas. :eyes:

[NNN0LHI]

4. Kind of makes one wonder about the solid DNA proof against OJ now? n/t

[kutastha]

5. Word around town...

...was that the work done was very shoddy and sloppy.