[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE PHILADELPHIA OFFICE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2014

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Philadelphia Office of Forensic Science. Forensic science is the 
application of a broad spectrum of sciences and technologies to 
investigate and establish facts of interest in relation to criminal or 
civil law. The word forensic comes from the Latin forensic, meaning 
``before the forum.'' In modern usage, the word defines a category of 
legal evidence that may be presented in a legal courtroom setting. 
Forensic science is a vital public service and access to quality 
forensic analysis dramatically improves the investigation of criminal 
activity leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution 
of the guilty. Forensic science plays a critical role in public 
outreach and crime prevention and that role is evolving within the 
criminal justice community. Crime scene investigators, forensic 
examiners and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate and 
reliable analyses of evidence recovered from scenes across the nation. 
In the United States there are more than 12,000 forensic scientists 
active in the field.
  The dedicated and hardworking individuals that comprise the forensic 
science organizations are worthy of recognition for their commitment to 
proper scientific investigations to support the cause of justice. 
Through quality forensic services, accredited programs, validated 
scientific techniques and a commitment to scientific integrity, 
forensic scientists make a significant impact in our communities.
  From August 10-16, 2014, professional organizations across the 
country acknowledged the value of modern forensic science and the role 
of forensic examiners by hosting events to observe National Forensic 
Science Week. Activities were presented to encourage a better 
understanding of forensic science and educate local, state and federal 
policy makers to the current capabilities and future challenges facing 
this field.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in in expressing appreciation for the people, facilities, and 
technologies that make reliable forensic science possible for the 
betterment of our communities.

                          ____________________