Researchers who sampled surfaces in roughly 20 U.S. forensic laboratories found detectable drug residues across many work areas but said most measurements fall below current reporting thresholds; they recommend routine background monitoring, targeted cleaning, and procedural changes to protect analysts and data integrity.

In an ASCLAD webinar, presenter Erin Forry urged forensic laboratories to adopt a culture of quality that goes beyond meeting accreditation checklists, highlighting ISO/OSAC standards, practical staffing and training steps, and ASCLAD resources including a mentoring program for five labs.

Prosecutor Wayne Melo presented the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office 2026 budget request, highlighted in‑house DNA and cyber labs and a ready‑to‑launch mental health diversion program that depends on court staffing; commissioners pressed on assistant‑prosecutor pay and vacancy levels.