Law enforcement and society can benefit from greater transparency in controlled drug analyses

CHAL 1

Vedoster Ingram, vingram@vingramenterprisesltd.com, Forensic Controlled Drug Group, vingram enterprises ltd, PO Box 11047 Washington DC, DC 20008-0247
Concerns are presented from the perspective of a former Drug Enforcement Administration chemist and a practicing forensic chemist consultant about the shortcomings that law enforcement and society face with both the lack of transparency and credibility in the government analyses of controlled drugs. Balanced advocacy of confiscated drug cases in the courts appears greatly affected by successful challenges to government alleged controlled drug cases. Law enforcement efforts have been found compromised where improper testing and case handlings were revealed. In efforts of providing security and safety to the public from confiscated contraband, law enforcement and government laboratories have developed credibility issues. With internal efforts by the forensic community in providing testing guidelines, such efforts may not be enough for instilling confidence to law enforcement and society. A business market model may have to exist for nuturing greater transparency and credibility in government controlled drug testing laboratories.