Sarah Medina

The council meeting addressed several action items, including the approval of applications for both initial accreditation and reaccreditation for multiple police departments and university police agencies. Furthermore, the council approved second-quarter annual compliance surveys and mandatory recertifications for covered agencies. An assessor application for the Seneca County Sheriff's Office was approved, and extension requests for reaccreditation assessments for the Liverpool and SUNY Potsdam University police departments were granted. Informational updates regarding the accreditation program rewrite, upcoming training schedules, and ongoing efforts to fill council member vacancies were also provided.

The council held its 274th meeting to address several key topics, including a review of the latest data on the fight against gun violence, updates on the recently enacted fiscal budget, and the implementation of a new state law regarding the regulation of 3D printers used for illegal firearm production. Additionally, the meeting focused on the adoption of a model policy for the emergency transport of individuals experiencing an emotional crisis, which emphasizes the use of de-escalation strategies, police and community partnerships, and standardized training protocols. The council also discussed supervisory responsibilities and documentation requirements for these types of incidents.

The meeting agenda includes an executive session and status updates regarding the accreditation of various forensic laboratories and toxicology offices. Old business items consist of discussions on familial searching, the OSAC registry, and next-generation sequencing validation. New business topics cover accreditation applications, rapid DNA implementation, and forensic laboratory visits. Additionally, the meeting will address laboratory disclosures from several regional crime laboratories and medical examiner offices.

The DNA Subcommittee meeting included a resignation announcement and an agenda amendment to include Department of Health certification of private labs. The committee reviewed accreditation and laboratory updates for various forensic laboratories, ultimately issuing binding recommendations to renew the New York State Accreditation for the Erie County Central Police Services Forensic Laboratory and the New York State Police Crime Laboratory. Additionally, the committee approved the use of the ANDE Rapid DNA Identification system for the New York State Police Crime Laboratory. Other discussions involved updates on Partial Match and Familial Search programs, as well as laboratory disclosures.

The Subcommittee meetings focused on accreditation and laboratory updates, including the issuance of binding recommendations for laboratory accreditation renewals. Discussions also covered updates on Partial Match and Familial Search programs, Next Generation Sequencing validation, annual CODIS security audits, and laboratory disclosures. Additionally, the Subcommittee addressed NIST review reports, forensic DNA testing standards, and internal validations for technology systems.