Topic: Table format for reporting

[Erin Medvid]

Hi all,

My lab is discussing using a table summarizing the analysis examination and results in our reports instead of a narrative explaining our conclusions.  Currently, our latent prints, drug chemistry and forensic biology (serology) sections have all moved towards this form of reporting.  We are struggling with how we could use a table to show identifications, eliminations, etc.  Have any of your labs done this?  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to respond using my work email account listed below.

Erin Medvid
Scientist- Firearms and Toolmarks
Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner
Pittsburgh, PA
erin.medvid@alleghenycounty.us

[Justine Kreso]

Going to follow this so I get email notifications.  It is something that I have played around with off and on over the years and for firearms I don't think I've ever come up with a good way to do it since we intercompare all evidence to each other and not just a known to an unknown like latents and bio.

[Jill Prather (Kurzenberger)]

E-mailed you both.

[Jon Tew]

Same as Justine.


My Quality Manager has asked that I look at it since our Latent Print Unit uses a similar grouping format.  I think it would be fine for Elim, ID, and unsuitable - it's the Inconclusive results I have difficulty with (or maybe even the firearms that function w/ issues and require more of a narrative.
The table format makes it easy for JusticeTrax to use for stats - this is one reason the QM has said it may be helpful and for me to look into.

[Heather A. Williams]

Hi Guys,
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[/size]Going to follow this too since our lab is also looking into changing the Firearms & Toolmark section report format. Our section is also looking at  going to digital notes and reports when we get our new LIMS system. Other sections are using a table format at this time. If anyone has any example reports using a table, I would greatly appreciate getting a copy. My email is below. Once we have a rough draft here, I can email it to anyone interested.
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[/size]Thanks!
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[/size]Heather A. Williams
[/size]Firearms & Toolmark Examiner- Senior
[/size]State Crime Laboratory - Milwaukee
[/size]williamsha@doj.state.wi.us