MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Long Island police department is bringing in an independent expert to assess problems with the lab that evaluates evidence in criminal cases.
Earlier this week, the Nassau County Police lab was placed on probation by a national accrediting agency. It is the only one in the country currently on probation. A recent assessment cited the lab with failing to comply with procedures on maintaining equipment and instruments and more than a dozen other issues.
Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Smith says an independent expert will be hired to resolve problems at the lab.
The Nassau Criminal Courts Bar Association wants evidence evaluated elsewhere until the issues are resolved.
The district attorney’s office says a review of current and past prosecutions is planned.