Forensic Scientist Robert Dilley Honored at Awards Ceremony
Indianapolis – Friday afternoon, April 10th, the Indiana State Police Department held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements and deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees of the Indiana State Police Department, from around the state, were honored for their dedication to service, bravery, devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. One civilian employee assigned to the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Laboratory Division was recognized at the ceremony.
Indiana State Police Forensic Scientist Robert Dilley was awarded 2014 Forensic Scientist of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Forensic Scientist within the Laboratory Division deemed to have consistently provided a superior quality forensic analysis service in a highly professional, proficient and unbiased manner for the Indiana Criminal Justice Community.
In 2014, Biology Section Forensic Scientist Robert Dilley completed 134 cases that resulted in 2085 laboratory examinations, both of which were well above the Biology Section averages of 82 and 1507 respectively. His case turnaround time from date of submission to completion was 41 days, which was below the Biology Section average of 50 days. Mr. Dilley produced quality results; successfully completing all proficiency and competency testing. He volunteered for 20 rush cases in 2014, and he completed 75 technical reviews of other analysts’ casework, which involved a review of 253 DNA profiles.
Mr. Dilley has been a member of the Laboratory Division’s DNA Mixture Interpretation and Statistics Committee since its inception in 2012. He educated himself in the application of modified random match probability statistics, which is the approach currently being used in casework. Mr. Dilley assisted with the validation of this method, as well as the subsequent testing of this method on a newly acquired software program. He served as one of the core trainers at Biology Section trainings on this topic, and he generated and reviewed all the training exercises. Analysts often went to him seeking his input on the interpretation of complex DNA mixtures.
Forensic Scientist Dilley often worked large or complex cases. Many of these cases involved matters of paternity from child molesting circumstances, which included situations where the child may have been at risk for additional victimization. Mr. Dilley also volunteered to assist with the preparation of a very complex triple homicide case for court even though he was not the primary analyst. He was ultimately recognized for his involvement in that case by Superintendent Carter in January 2014.
Mr. Dilley has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin College and a graduate degree in Forensic Science from Marshall University. Mr. Dilley currently serves as a member of the Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists and as an associate member of the American Academy of Forensic Scientists. He is also certified as a Fellow in Molecular Biology by the American Board of Criminalistics. Mr. Dilley is qualified to perform serology and DNA analysis, and he is one of only three analysts who perform criminal paternity analysis.
“Forensic Scientist Dilley is very deserving of this recognition. He is well-respected in the forensic science community, and by his peers within the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division. He provides significant contributions toward advancements in biology-related matters by serving on several professional organizations, and he is often sought for guidance and for his input in complex DNA matters. The professional standing we enjoy as a crime laboratory system originates from the tireless work efforts of Mr. Dilley and from those like him who strive to provide a superior quality forensic analysis service.” stated ISP Laboratory Commander Major Steve Holland.
Dilley is an eight year veteran of the Indiana State Police and resides in Indianapolis with his wife and child.
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