MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Judiciary

By: Senator(s) Posey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-1-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE MISSISSIPPI CRIME LABORATORY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 45-1-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-1-25. The Director of the Mississippi Crime Laboratory which has been established by the Commissioner of Public Safety under the authority of Section 45-1-17 shall be a person who is experienced in crime laboratory operations, knowledgeable of the criminal justice system, and who shall have the following minimum qualifications:

(a) A master's degree in a forensic science-related area (a natural science, forensic science, criminal justice, criminalistics, etc.) from an accredited four-year college or university; and at least ten (10) years' related work experience in a forensic environment, of which at least four (4) years were in an advanced administrative position; plus certification from a recognized forensic certification program; or

(b) A baccalaureate degree in a forensic science-related area (a natural science, forensic science, criminal justice, criminalistics, etc.) from an accredited four-year college or university; and at least twelve (12) years' related work experience in a forensic environment, of which at least five (5) years were in an advanced administrative position; plus certification from a recognized forensic certification program.

The director of the crime laboratory may only be removed by the Commissioner of Public Safety upon proof of his inability to serve due to illness, administrative or managerial ineffectiveness, incompetence, malfeasance, dereliction of duty or moral turpitude.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.