Indiana's Toxicology Chief resigns amid review, do other states have similar issues?
The head of the state department responsible for analyzing blood samples in drunken-driving cases resigned Wednesday amid a review of complaints, including long delays, sloppy work and failure to perform inspections required by law.
Those concerned with the department's performance told The Indianapolis Star this week that the problems have resulted in dismissed cases and an additional cost to taxpayers.
The department was also facing conflict-of-interest complaints because its website offers employees as expert witnesses who can be hired by defense attorneys.
The Star asked a spokeswoman Wednesday morning for an interview with Michael A. Wagner -- director of the Indiana State Department of Toxicology -- but in the afternoon the spokeswoman said Wagner had resigned "to devote more time to research." She said Indiana University could not offer more details because it's a personnel matter.
There is also potential for re-victimizing victims. Indianapolis defense attorney John L. Tompkins, who handles numerous impaired driving cases, said, "Imagine a DUI death and the family is waiting around to see if charges are filed."
Tompkins, who teaches blood-testing issues to lawyers for their continuing education requirements, said sloppy work is not unusual from the state Department of Toxicology.
Within the past few months, he said, blood-testing reports have come back showing clotted blood being used -- a mistake -- and incomplete documentation of the testing machine's calibration.
Link:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20100513/LOCAL/5130418/Toxicology-chief-resigns-amid-review