The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "FBI scientists" ...
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Shadow of Doubt/ Error in Evidence
Two series on investigating the Washington State Crime Lab. Forensic scientists produced results that led to jail time for many. But when their lab methods were questioned and their results discredited, prisoners who had been jailed as a result of tainted evidence or procedures stayed in jail. Teichroeb made these facts public, and soon cases were overturned and scientists were fired.
Tags: forensic science; scientist; crime; lab; audit; evidence; DNA; drug; FBI; wrongful conviction
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Science Casts Doubt on FBI Bullet Evidence
This story investigated the validity of a forensics technique, comparative lead bullet analysis, that has been used by the FBI crime laboratory since the late 1960's. FBI scientists determine the trace metal profile of a lead slug and then compare bullet profiles. They found there was not a solid scientific backing for this technique and that new research indicates that the conclusions the FBI examiners drew about relationships between were, at best, unwarranted. There was never evidence to conclude that the fact that two bullets share similar trace element profiles means they are in some way connected, and there is now evidence against that conclusion. This is important because the technique is commonly used in murder cases where traditional ballistics cannot be used and, often where there is little evidence.
Tags: forensics; FBI; crime lab; lead bullet analysis; FBI scientists; lead slug; FBI examiners; American Chemical Society; National Academy of Sciences; bullet lead; fingerprint analysis; Iowa State University; National Research Council; Middlesex County Superior Court; crime scene; FBI testimony; National Research Council; rifling-mark analysis
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Oklahoma Execution
The AP investigates a forensic scientist being investigated for giving false and misleading testimony in several death penalty cases. Interviewing prosecutors, FBI agents, defense lawyers, forensics experts and members of the executed men's families, the AP found a startling pattern. Among the series findings were a police memo that stated evidence used to convict one of the men did not exist -- slides the scientist testified contained the accused semen actually contained nothing at all.
Tags: death row; execution; death penalty; forensic evidence
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How Federal Agents Bungled the Spy Case Against Wen Ho Lee
The Wall Street Journal investigates the FBI investigation of Wen Ho Lee, a scientist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico believed to be a Chinese spy. The Wall Street Journal investigation reveals that miscues by the FBI greatly hindered the case.
Tags: Wen HO Lee; scientist; espionage; FBI; Los Alamos National Laboratory; New Mexico
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Rocky Flats: A Big Mistake From Day One
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists follows a raid of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Munitions Plant near Denver in which the FBI found evidence of criminal violations of environmental laws; scientists say the biggest mistake at the plant may have been the decision to locate it so near a major metropolitan area; plant workers showed an abnormal rate of cancers of the lymph system and blood, December 1989.
Tags: FBI Operation Desert Glow environment AEC environment cancer radiation
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Rocky Flats fraud: 17-year secret
Daily Camera investigates the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant, finding Department of Energy officials and top scientists involved in elaborate gifts-and goods-making operation. The investigation also disclosed gifts that went to DOE officials, plant employees and officials of Rockwell International, which runs the plant. The department's scheme cost taxpayers millions of dollars over 17 years.