53-10-402 - Bureau duties. - Utah Statutes

53-10-402. Bureau duties.
The bureau shall:
(1) provide quality, timely, and comprehensive analysis of physical evidence from crimescenes and crime-related incidents submitted by federal, state, county, and municipal criminaljustice agencies;
(2) provide expert testimony in courts of law regarding the scientific analysis andconclusion of forensic evidence using the most current and advanced analytical techniques andtechnology;
(3) ensure the safety of all laboratory employees against exposure to blood-bornepathogens, infectious materials, and any other biochemical or toxic hazard which may pose athreat to the safety and well-being of bureau employees;
(4) protect the chain of incoming evidence by ensuring all items are properly packaged,sealed, marked, stored, and delivered back to the submitting agency using established legalguidelines;
(5) adopt systems of identification, including blood and firearms analysis, to be used bythe division to facilitate law enforcement;
(6) participate in establishing satellite laboratories in designated locations throughout thestate;
(7) provide assistance to the medical community in establishing guidelines for the properhandling of individuals who are the victims of sexual assault; and
(8) upon request, provide law enforcement agencies technical and analytical support inthe processing of crime scenes.

Enacted by Chapter 263, 1998 General Session