Letter: Crime lab's chief was dedicated
An undated file photo from the forensic evidence lab at Police Department headquarters in Mineola. Credit: NCPD
I agree that the inspector general's report detailed unsettling deficiencies in protocols at the Nassau County police crime laboratory that did not meet standards in the scientific community ["Panel rejects crime lab reform," News, Dec. 9]. It's very serious, if proven, because the flaws may have wrongly convicted individuals.
What I don't agree on is the characterization that Det. Lt. James Granelle was a "weak leader," or that the men and women who worked in the forensic evidence bureau adopted a culture of complacency.
Granelle is a 40-year veteran who has always been committed to the best interests of the department. It was not uncommon for Granelle to respond to murder scenes and offer his expertise in collection of biological evidence, as well as interpreting blood spatter.
The sergeants and detectives worked tirelessly with the tools provided by the police department to collect, examine and identify evidence to apprehend and convict criminals for dozens of years.
The next generation of investigators will benefit from the inspector general's crime lab report, and public confidence will be restored in the fast-moving field of forensics.
Dennis Downes, Holtsville
Editor's note: The writer is a retired Nassau County police detective.
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