The forensic investigations council is established pursuant to chapter 398, Laws of 1995. The purpose of the forensic investigations council is to:
- (1) Preserve and enhance the state crime laboratory;
- (2) Fund the death investigation system and to make related state and local institutions more efficient;
- (3) Preserve and enhance the state toxicology laboratory;
- (4) Provide resources necessary for the performance, by qualified pathologists, of autopsies;
- (5) Improve the performance of death investigations and the criminal justice system through the formal training of county coroners and county medical examiners;
- (6) Establish and maintain a dental identification system; and
- (7) Provide flexibility so that any county may establish a county morgue when it serves the public interest.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.020. WSR 96-16-062, § 218-04-010, filed 8/5/96, effective 9/5/96.]