MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT,

AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CIDEF MEDICAL EXAMINER

SUBJECT: Toxicology Support

1. INTRODUCTION:

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the District of Columbia's Office
of the Chief Medical Examiner (aCME), hereinafter referred to as the "Parties," hereby
enter into this Memorandum of Understanding (MaU) for laboratory and toxicological
support ofMPD cases in the Washington (DC) Metropolitan Area.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Pursuant to applicable authorities and in the furtherance of the shared goals of the Parties
to carry out the purposes of this MOU expeditiously and economically, the Parties do
hereby agree:

A. OCME Responsibilities:

1. The OCME will analyze for ethanol, volatiles, and drugs in blood and/or
urine DUI specimens submitted by MPD. The maximum number of cases that
may be submitted to OCME will not exceed 10 per month. Requests for the
testing of other drugs will require a request from the MPD liaison and advanced
approval of the aCME. aCME will use its own forensic toxicology standard
operating procedures for analyzing, handling, and disposing specimens and for
producing toxicological reports.

2. The aCME will analyze for ethanol, volatiles, and drugs in blood and/or
urine Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) specimens submitted by MPD. The
maximum number ofDFSA cases that MPD may submit to aCME will not
exceed 6 cases per year. Additional DFSA cases will not be accepted from MPD
without a written request from the MPD liaison and advanced approval of the
aCME. aCME will use its own forensic toxicology standard operating
procedures for analyzing, handling, and disposing specimens and for producing
toxicological reports.

3. The OCME will provide MPD with written procedures for submitting
specimens for toxicological analysis. Once testing is completed, the aCME will
deliver MPD a written report of results. The aCME will provide expert
testimony about any analysis at the request of the prosecutor's office handling the
case to include chain-of-custody and the interpretation of the results.
 4. The OCME will provide scientific and limited administrative oversight of
MPD's breath alcohol testing program in order to assist MPD with insuring
quality forensic results.

The oversight will include:

a. Review and approve all revisions of operator training plans, operator

guidelines, evidential breath testing protocols, instrument recertification and
accuracy testing procedures, instructor certification requirements, and operator
certification requirements.

b. Review and approve all properly trained instructors and operators.

c. Provide routine inspection of any instnunent quality control records

used in conjunction with the breath alcohol testing program.

d. Review and approve any evidential breath instrument certification or

recertification used in conjunction with the breath alcohol testing program. This
includes review of any certification reports from the providers of standards used
for evidential breath testing instrument calibration.

e. OCME will provide expert witness testimony concerning the

alcoholbreath testing program, the pharmacology of alcohol, and the effects of
alcohol consumption. The OCME may designate an employee of the MPD to
provide such witness testimony on its behalf as long as the individual has
sufficient experience and training in alcohol pharmacology and/or breath alcohol
testing

The oversight will not include:

Training on any breath alcohol testing procedures, instrumentation, or

basic alcohol pharmacology.

5. DURATION OF MOU

This MOU is effective for (5) years.

6. TERMINATION OF MOD

Either Party may terminate this MOU upon 30-days written notification to the other
Party.
7. MODIFICATIONS

The tenus and conditions of this MOU may be modified only upon prior written
agreement by the Parties.

8. POINTS OF CONTACT

MPD OCME
District of Columbia Government
Captain Robert Atcheson Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
501 New York Avenue,NW Deputy Chief, Toxicologist
Phone: 202 698-7001 1910 Massachusetts Avenue; SE,
Fax: 202727-8241 Building 27
Washington; DC 20003
Office Phone: (202) 698-9004
Fax: (202) 698-9104

9. Signature A

Approved by __ C-.!£~~r.q--+~--fP.J.swq..~=-{ JUN 2 2 2010

Cathy L . r, C:ef of 0 ice
Metropolitan Police Department

Approved by
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Dr. Marie-Lydie Pierre-Louis,

Chief Medical Examiner
District of Columbia Government