Whitmer establishes Task Force on Forensic Science
An executive order was signed Friday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, establishing the Task Force on Forensic Science.
The task force, created under Executive Order 2021-04, will be an advisory body within the Michigan Department of State Police, made up of people in the medical, legal and academic professions, government officials, private sector experts and representatives from the Michigan State Police, Michigan Supreme Court and Attorney General’s office.
“A fair trial is at the core of the American criminal justice system,” Whitmer stated in a news release. “While forensic science is an important tool, misapplication of forensic science can deprive a person of a fair trial. We must ensure that Michigan adheres to the highest standards of evidence, and that practitioners throughout our criminal justice system understand how to apply forensic science properly.”
Added Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist: “Michigan will always ensure that the highest standards are being met when it comes to justice. “The work of the Forensic Science Task Force will ensure that our legal and criminal justice systems can keep up with the times. The Governor and I look forward to their recommendations.”
Chief Justice Bridget Mccormack of the Michigan Supreme Court said that, with the task force, “Michigan can be a national leader in better science promoting better justice.”
Mccormack and Director Col. Joseph Gasper of the Michigan State Police will serve as co-chairs.
“As a national leader in forensic science, the Michigan State Police is committed to further improving the use of forensic science in Michigan through the work of this advisory panel,” Gasper stated. “We look forward to working alongside the other stakeholders to ensure that Michigan continues to set a high bar for forensic science.”
As stated in the news release, the task force’s mission is to review the state of forensic science in Michigan, then deliver completed findings and policy recommendations to Whitmer by the end of the year. Recommendations could include “methodology improvements, processes to address misconduct and procedures to update stakeholders on developments in forensic science.”
The task force will also include Jeff Nye, director of the MSP Forensic Science Division, Attorney General Dana Nessel or her designee and Judge Paul J. Denenfeld of the 17th Circuit Court of Kent County. Four members of the Legislature, two from the Senate and two from the House of Representatives, will also participate as non-voting members.
Task force members appointed by Whitmer, for terms running April 2-Dec. 31, 2021:
• Christopher R. Bommarito of Williamston. Bommarito is president and chief forensic scientist of Forensic Science Consultants, Inc. He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and criminalistics and a master of science degree in forensic science from Michigan State University. Bommarito is appointed to represent forensic science practitioners with at least five years of experience in the field.
• Kent Gardner of Davison. Gardner is the administrator of forensic lab services for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business from Wayne State University and a master of science degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Gardner is appointed to represent a forensic science practitioner from a county forensic service provider.
• Brandon N. Giroux of Northville. Giroux is president of Giroux Forensic, Inc. and Forensic Assurance, Inc. He is also a forensic firearm and tool mark instructor and consultant for the National Forensic Science Technology Center, and a forensic science instructor at Wayne State University. He holds a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and a master of science degree in forensic science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Giroux is appointed to represent forensic science practitioners with at least five years of experience in the field.
• Jeffrey M. Jentzen, MD, PH.D of Ann Arbor. Jentzen is a clinical professor emeritus of pathology for the University of Michigan Department of Pathology. Jentzen has served as the chief medical examiner for Washtenaw County and deputy medical examiner for Wayne County. He holds a bachelor of science in biology from Michigan Technological University, doctor of medicine degree from Wayne State University, and a master of science and PH.D in medical history from the University of Wisconsin. Jentzen is appointed to represent a board-certified pathologist with experience in forensic pathology.
• Barbara O’brien, PH.D of East Lansing. O’brien is a professor at the Michigan State University College of Law. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Bowdoin College, juris doctor degree from the University of Colorado Law School, and a PH.D in psychology from the University of Michigan. O’brien is appointed to represent an individual from the private sector or from a university in this state who has published scholarship related to cognitive bias.
• Jonathan Sacks of Ann Arbor. Sacks is director of the State Appellate Defender Office. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in European history from the University of Pennsylvania and a juris doctor from Columbia Law School. Sacks is appointed to represent a public defender or criminal defense attorney.
• Donald Shelton, PH.D of Saline. Shelton is director of the criminology and criminal justice program at the University of Michigandearborn and program director for their Justice Reform Project, Alternatives to Violent Force. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in social science from Western Michigan University, juris doctor degree from the University of Michigan School of Law, master of arts degree in criminology and criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University, and a PH.D in judicial studies from the University of Nevada. Shelton is appointed to represent individuals from the private sector or from a university in this state who have earned a doctoral degree in a distinct field relevant to forensic science and who have published scholarship related to the field in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Ruth Smith, PH.D of Okemos. Smith is professor of forensic chemistry and the director of the forensic science program at Michigan State University. She holds a bachelor of science degree and a PH.D in forensic and analytical chemistry from the University of Strathclyde. Smith is appointed to represent individuals from the private sector or from a university in this state who have earned a doctoral degree in a distinct field relevant to forensic science and who have published scholarship related to the field in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Matthew J. Wiese of Marquette. Wiese is prosecuting attorney for Marquette County. He holds a bachelor of science from Northern Michigan University and a juris doctor degree from Vermont Law School. Wiese is appointed to represent a prosecuting attorney.
Legislative members serving as task force participants include Sen. John Bizon, Sen. Stephanie Chang, Rep. Robert Bezotte and Rep. Laurie Pohutsky.