New Executive Order Establishes Task Force on Forensic Science

New Executive Order Establishes Task Force on Forensic Science

April 2, 2021

Saying that “a fair trial is at the core of the American criminal justice system,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2021-04 today, establishing the Task Force on Forensic Science.

The task force, according to a release from the governor’s office, will be an advisory body nested within the Michigan Department of State Police and be comprised of medical practitioners, legal professionals, government officials, academics, private sector experts, and representatives from the Michigan State Police, Michigan Supreme Court, and Attorney General’s office.  

"I'm honored to take on this important work to ensure that our criminal legal system delivers justice for the people of Michigan,” Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack said in the release. “Michigan can be a national leader in better science promoting better justice."

The task force’s mission is to review the state of forensic science in Michigan and deliver their completed findings and policy recommendations to the Governor no later than December 31, 2021. The findings will recommend, among other pieces, methodology improvements, processes to address misconduct, and procedures to update stakeholders on developments in forensic science.