WHEREAS, forensic science is a vital public service; and WHEREAS, access to quality forensic analysis is a critical element of intelligence-led policing that can exonerate the innocent, uncover crime trends, identify perpetrators, solve crimes, and enhance public safety; and WHEREAS, forensic science plays a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention and is evolving in its role as an essential member of the criminal justice community; and WHEREAS, forensic scientists are responsible for collecting evidence, conducting detailed analyses, communicating results in criminal court proceedings as expert witnesses, and educating stakeholders about forensic science; and WHEREAS, crime scene investigators, forensic examiners, and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate, and reliable analyses of evidence recovered from across the nation; and WHEREAS, in 2022, the Costa Mesa Police Department Crime Scene Specialists processed over 1200 supplemental reports and responded to more than 800 calls for service; and WHEREAS, numerous professional organizations have recognized September 17-23, 2023, as National Forensic Science Week, and individuals across the country will be celebrating; and WHEREAS, the hard-working people who comprise our forensic science organizations deserve universal regard and appreciation for their commitment to proper scientific investigation for the cause of justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim September 18-24, 2023, as National Forensic Science Week in the City of Costa Mesa and invite all residents to celebrate and honor the dedicated work of those in forensic science.
Dated this 19th day of September 2023.
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa