Task Force on Forensic Science seeks public comment at July meeting

The Michigan Task Force on Forensic Science is seeking public comment at its July meeting. The online meeting will take place Tuesday, July 19, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The public comment period will be conducted at approximately 11:40 a.m.

Taking part in the meeting will be Task Force Co-Chair Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack, Task Force Co-Chair Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper, along with Task Force members, and stakeholders. The agenda includes presentations of findings and draft recommendations from the three Task Force subcommittees: Forensic Science Statewide Body; Forensic Science Practice; and Criminal Legal System. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer created the Michigan Task Force on Forensic Science by Executive Order 2021-04 on April 2, 2021 to advise about the state of forensic science in Michigan and to ensure that the criminal legal system delivers justice for the people of Michigan. Executive Order 2021-15 extended the Task Force through December 31, 2022.

The Task Force is an advisory body operating within the Michigan Department of State Police and is comprised of forensic science practitioners, legal professionals, government officials, academics, private sector experts, and representatives from the Michigan State Police, Michigan Supreme Court, and Attorney General's Office. Also representing the judiciary on the Task Force is Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Denenfeld who was designated by McCormack.

For members of the public who wish to speak at the online meeting, visit the Task Force on Forensic Science web page at www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/forensic-science/forensic-science-task-force.