Title
Joint resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation in the amount of $25,926 to fund the creation of a part-time Principal Investigator in the State's Attorney's Office, with offsetting revenue to be provided by a transfer in funds from the State's Attorney's Money Laundering Fund.
Staff Summary
* The advancements in criminal forensic sciences in the last 15 years have led to dramatic changes in law enforcement and subsequently in the prosecution of defendants charged with crimes.
* These advancements have led to "innocence projects" seeking review of old evidence that at the time of adjudication was not subjected to the new and improved forensic laboratory testing.
* The State's Attorney has created a Case Review Panel composed of legal professionals and lay people to assist in the review of criminal cases where there is a question about a conviction.
* This case review initiative is at the heart of the mission of the State's Attorney's Office - to seek justice, uphold the integrity of the criminal justice system and promote trustworthy government in Lake County.
* The State's Attorney has identified a need for a part-time principal investigator to assist the State's Attorney's Case Review Panel.
* The principal investigator will assist the Case Review Panel with reviewing old cases, resubmitting old evidence for new analysis, ascertaining causes of wrongful convictions and establishing protocols for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases.
* The review process requires the complete case file be examined and reviewed by a qualified investigator with extensive experience in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
* Offsetting revenue is available from the State's Attorney's Money Laundering Fund to support the emergency appropriation of $25,926 provide funding for this position for FY15.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the State's Attorney's Office has identified a need for a part-time principal investigator to assist the St...
Click here for full text