Former ISP officer hired to take over Toxicology Department reigns

Governor Mitch Daniels appointed a new director for Indiana's Department of Toxicology Friday.

Ed Littlejohn admitted the toughest part of the interview process was fielding questions from Daniels.

"Anytime you are interviewed by a public official, like Governor Daniels, but he is a very laid back individual. The interview process went pretty well, obviously."

Littlejohn, obviously got the job. The program has a new look. Operations were transferred from the IU School of Medicine, to a state agency in 2011.

"It will be different, but it is also reassuring," said Littlejohn. "We moved into this building in 2007, I was fortunate enough to be a part of that process. It has been a part of the process. If anything, it lessens part of the stress."

If working in familiar surroundings will reduce worry, an audit, taking a closer look into the department will add to it. The 2011 audit eroded the toxicology department's credibility, citing delays in results and wrong results. The audit also showed some results were wrong on purpose.

Littlejohn said he was not there during the department's past, but he will be there for its future. He said accreditation is at the top of his to-do list.

"Accreditation certainly is a positive step," said Littlejohn. "It has individuals coming in, looking at your policies  and your procedures and making sure you are doing what is acceptable in the forensic community."

Littlejohn said restoring the reputation of the tainted department will begin on day one.

"I am looking forward to the future, said Littlejohn. "What I want to do is make sure that the department of toxicology is a laboratory that citizens can be proud of and citizens of Indiana can feel comfortable with."

Littlejohn begins his new job of Toxicology Department Director on April 2.