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CRIME LAB REPORT

Effective September 1, 2007

Much like the profession of forensic science, Crime Lab Report's reputation depends on accuracy and fairness in every publication we create.  For this reason, the following editorial policies have been adopted to govern the actions and decisions of our editorial board:

1.  Crime Lab Report will not knowingly publish inaccurate data or information.

2.  Crime Lab Report will not knowingly distort the context of issues or arguments being deliberated in the public domain.

3.  Crime Lab Report will not represent itself as being the only source of reliable information pertaining to forensic science. Our primary goal is to spark vigorous debate, thoughtful commentary, and useful research that helps the profession to work more efficiently and effectively on behalf of United States citizens.

4.  Crime Lab Report will conduct sufficient research to support its opinions and conclusions.

5.  Crime Lab Report will immediately correct any confusion caused by the publication of opinions or conclusions that are demonstrated to be based on erroneous information.  Most often, this will be accomplished by the publication of opposing viewpoints submitted by our readers; however, major errors will be corrected directly and publicly by our editorial board.

6.  Crime Lab Report will only criticize comments made and/or actions taken by specific individuals and organizations that our editors or guest authors judge to be worthy of such criticism. 

7. Crime Lab Report will not tolerate the publication of personal attacks or unsubstantiated accusations at our web site. 

8.  Crime Lab Report acknowledges that it will make mistakes from time to time.  It is hoped that our editorial practices will significantly minimize their frequency and maximize the confidence of our readers.  We rely on the vigilance of our editors and the scrutiny of our readers to help us comply with our editorial policies.

9.  Crime Lab Report's editorial policies will be updated as necessary to ensure accuracy and fairness in our reporting.   

10.  Crime Lab Report primarily publishes four kinds of information for visitors to our website and subscribers to our publications.

Crime Lab Report Commentary - Opinions, observations, and interpretations written and/or edited by members of our editorial board.  These opinions are published strictly for the purpose of lending a unique and informed perspective to the discussion of issues pertaining to forensic science.  At no time will inaccurate information be knowingly published by Crime Lab Report.  Every effort is made to maximize the value of our comments and their usefulness to our readers; however, we encourage readers to submit opposing viewpoints.  We will publish viewpoints that are thought-provoking and informative.

Guest Commentary - Opinions, observations, and interpretations written by guest authors, which are edited by members of our editorial board.  Crime Lab Report does not necessarily agree with nor endorse the comments and opinions of guest authors and interviewees; however, we make every effort to ensure that our guests present coherent arguments that can withstand a reasonable degree of intellectual scrutiny.

Links to news and information - Hyperlinks that direct our readers to news articles and other sources of information that our editors have judged to be informative and relevant.  Crime Lab Report cannot assume responsibility for the accuracy of information published by third parties; however, we seek to limit our references to authoritative sources.

Announcements - General information posted for the short-term use of our readers.  Crime Lab Report posts announcements pertaining to events and occurrences within the forensic science community.  We encourage readers to submit announcements whenever possible.