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Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States A Path Forward (2009) / Chapter Skim
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6 Improving Methods, Practice, and Performance in Forensic Science
Pages 183-192

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From page 183...
... It does not evaluate the quality of evidence collection and management -- steps that provide the inputs to forensic methods -- although, obviously, the quality of those steps is critical in maximizing the investigative and probative value of that evidence. INDEPENDENCE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORIES The majority of forensic science laboratories are administered by law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, where the laboratory administrator reports to the head of the agency.
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From page 184...
... Cultural pressures caused by the different missions of scientific laboratories vis-à-vis law enforcement agencies would be largely resolved. Finally, the forensic science laboratories would be able to set their own budget priorities and not have to compete with the parent law enforcement agencies.
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From page 185...
... An overview of the effect of bias in the forensic science disciplines can be found in Risinger et al., 2002. Decisions regarding what analyses need to be performed and in what order also can be influenced by bias and ultimately have the potential to skew results. Forensic scientists who sit administratively in law enforcement agencies or prosecutors' offices, or who are hired by those units, are subject to a general risk of bias.
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From page 186...
... Some forensic laboratory reports meet this standard of reporting, but most do not. Some reports contain only identifying and agency information, a brief description of the evidence being submitted, a brief description of the types of analysis requested, and a short statement of the results (e.g., "The green, brown plant material in item #1 was identified as marijuana")
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From page 187...
... note, the United States has a renowned higher education system, and many basic research discoveries relating to the forensic science disciplines have been made in academia.10 However, the forensic science disciplines suffer from an inadequate research base: Few forensic scientists have the opportunity to conduct research, few academics are positioned to undertake such research, and, importantly, the funding for forensic research is insufficient. Others believe that the field suffers because the research initiatives being funded and pursued lack an overarching strategic plan.11 There are several explanations for the relative lack of funding for basic and applied research in the forensic science disciplines.
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From page 188...
... In most areas of forensic science, no well-defined system exists for determining error rates, and proficiency testing shows that some examiners perform poorly. In some disciplines, such as forensic odontology, the methods of evidence collection are relatively noncontroversial, but disputes arise over the value and reliability of the resulting interpretations.
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From page 189...
... Little rigorous systematic research has been done to validate the basic premises and techniques in a number of forensic science disciplines. The committee sees no evident reason why conducting such research is not feasible; in fact, some researchers have proposed research agendas to strengthen the foundations of specific forensic disciplines.12 Much more federal funding is needed to support research in forensic science and forensic pathology in universities and in private laboratories committed to such work.
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From page 190...
... Recommendation 3: Research is needed to address issues of accuracy, reliability, and validity in the forensic science disciplines. The National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS)
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From page 191...
... Recommendation 5: The National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) should encourage research programs on human observer bias and sources of human error in forensic examinations.
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Key Terms

  • science disciplines
  • law enforcement
  • enforcement agencies
  • forensic scientists
  • science laboratories

  • laboratory reports
  • crime scene
  • forensic analyses
  • forensic sciences
  • forensic practice

  • science practitioners
  • rensic science
  • science examinations
  • science techniques
  • observer effects

  • criminal justice
  • examiner communities
  • medical examiner
  • basic premises
  • evidence collection

  • courtroom testimony
  • error rates
  • brief description
  • science base
  • sic science

  • forensic laboratories
  • forensic practitioners
  • considered forensic
  • underlie forensic
  • broader science


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