As a state laboratory, it is our goal to provide the state of Utah with scientific expertise in order to solve crimes. Before these programs were implemented, the chemistry section of the lab was bogged down with thousands of cases. Many of these cases never went to court and were not even needed to be tested. The majority of these cases were marijuana related cases. As a result of these programs, the number of drug cases has dropped significantly. Now, I know what you are all thinking....State workers just do not want to work. Because we do not have to test samples that do not even go to court, we now have more time to train in a number of different disciplines. These disciplines will help provide the police agencies in the state of Utah more tools to solve major crimes. In the works now are:
No marijuana evidence will be accepted at the state lab for processing after Dec. 31st, 2005. This intensive 4-day course covers the botany, chemistry and analysis of marijuana preparations and each applicant will be required to pass 3 written examinations, a laboratory competency test, ten mock cases as well as examine and chemically test several hundred botanical exhibits.
Benefits:
· Your agency will be able to process, test and testify to marijuana cases in your jurisdiction
· Your technician will be able to train other officers and the public on marijuana recognition
· Faster case turnaround time
· Less evidence transferred out of your evidence room
· The opportunity to recover cost and pay for the program through your local and city courts/fines Who Should Attend? · Crime Scene/Lab Personnel · Evidence Room Technicians · Narcotic Task Force/Squad Members · Detectives Requirements: 1. Candidates must complete Marijuana Leaf ID Technician/FIDO Registration form: http://publicsafety.utah.gov/forensicservices/docs/fido_reg.doc 2. Candidates must have required equipment before attending class. You can start up a program for under $1200.00 and maintain it around $200.00 year. A list of current equipment requirements may be found at the following website: http://forensicservices.utah.gov/ 3. Must re-certify yearly for Marijuana Leaf ID Technician and FIDO. 4. A $75.00 registration fee (payable to DPS) must be sent for the Marijuana Leaf ID Course to the following address at the time of electronic registration (this will guarantee a spot): Forensic Services Attn: MJ Registration
(
4501 South 2700
Salt Lake City,
The laboratory has also incorporated the FIDO class into the Marijuana Leaf Identification Technician Program. You will be given a kit which will allow you to screen for the following drugs:
· Methamphetamine
· Cocaine
· Heroin
Contact for FIDO :
Ryan Barney: (801) 503-8390 e-mail: rbarney@utah.gov