CRIMINAL JUSTICE SECTOR ASSESSMENT RATING TOOL Version 2.0 | Page 24

• and technicians leading to effective prosecutions and more convictions? Do judges ensure that case management practices are followed to facilitate criminal investigations? c) Capability: Crime Scene Search/Collection Capabilities i) Measurement Indicators • Do judges have the technical skills/knowledge to supervise Forensic and Legal Medicine technicians at the crime scene? Do judges have appropriately qualified, certified or credentialed • crime scene search/collection capabilities? Do judges utilize chain of evidence practices? • • Is the judge’s technique and scheme of investigation reasonably calculated to produce data, testimony and/or information relative to the specific elements of the crime being investigated? • Does the investigative judge follow appropriate rules of evidence to ensure introduction during proceedings and in support of the theory of the case? • Do judges have access to specialized crime scene collection team/unit? • Do judges employ modern/contemporary fingerprint analysis and identification and photography capabilities? • Do judges have the necessary technical and professional expertise to supervise the following capabilities: crime scene sketch, firearms and tool marks, questioned documents examination, drug analysis, toxicology, trace evidence, serology/DNA, and pathology/forensic medicine? • Do judges coordinate with the Coroner’s Office or equivalent institution? 3) Function: Prosecution Services a) Capability: Prosecutors i) Measurement Indicators • Are prosecutors selected, promoted and fired based on education, competency, testing, integrity, etc.? Must prosecutors be trained as lawyers? • • Is the primary role of a prosecutor clearly delineated, describing their relationship with respect to the interests of the state? • Does the prosecutor’s office have a budget adequate to carry out its responsibilities? • Do prosecutors have sufficient material and substantive resources (including statutes, codes, regulations, supplies, etc.) to perform their duties? • Must prosecutors attend and receive periodic training to stay current in the law? • Must prosecutors always appear for court proceedings – both the pretrial and trial stages? 24