Reports
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis, Latent Print Examination and Human Factors: Improving the Practice through a Systems Approach (2012)
This report describes the limitations of the current ACE-V method (Analysis, Comparison Evaluation, and Verification) for latent fingerprint examination. The report observes that there is no empirical evidence or statistical reasoning that could support identification of a latent print to a single individual to the exclusion of all other individuals in the world. The report also draws attention to the subjectivity involved in the process of fingerprint comparison. Based on extensive literature review, the report makes several recommendations for latent print examiners to reliably perform the ACE-V method, reduce the possibility of error and accurately report their results.
Science and Technology Select Committee, House of Lords, Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice System: A Blueprint for Change (2019)
The UK House of Lords appointed Science and Technology Select Committee conducted an inquiry into the contribution of forensic science in the criminal justice system during its 2017-2019 session. The inquiry focussed on the regulatory framework for forensic science and the research and development needs in this area. As part of this inquiry, the Committee reviewed oral and written submissions from various stakeholders and members of the forensic science community.
The report describes the limitations and gaps in current forensic science leadership and its effects on the system. The report also identifies the need for improvement in the current accreditation and quality management system. The Committee recommends that the role of the UK Forensic Science Regulator should be reformed and expanded in order to bolster trust in the quality of forensic science service. It also suggests that a National Institute for Forensic Science should be created to set strategic priorities for forensic science research and development. As part of the right to fair trial, the report recognises that defendants must have an opportunity to commission their own forensic testing in case the evidence is disputed. For this, the report recommends that the Forensic Science Regulator should work with the Legal Aid Agency to ensure appropriate access to defendants by setting fair prices and securing appropriate funding.
Dr. R.K. Tiwari, Dr. C Damodaran, Dr. R.S. Verma, A.K. Gupta and Dr. R.S. Singh, Report on Scientific Performance Audit of DFSS HQ and its CFSLs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi (2011)
The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), Ministry of Home Affairs, formed an expert committee to conduct Scientific Performance Audit of three Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) located at Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Kolkata, and of the DFSS Headquarters in New Delhi. The committee evaluated the performance of these central forensic science laboratories and the administration of the DFSS HQ based on data collected through questionnaires, visits and interviews. The report observes that the CFSLs and DFSS HQ were unable to meet their current mandates and thus recommended changes for addressing issues regarding case pendency, training, quality management and standardisation of standard operating procedures for different forensic divisions.
National Institute of Justice, United States Department of Justice, Report to Congress: Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiners/ Coroner Offices (2019)
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research and development organisation under the US Department of Justice. The agency focuses on advancing research and development in the fields of science and technology to aid the criminal justice system.
The Justice for All Reauthorization Act, 2016 (JFARA) passed by the US Congress mandated a study to examine the workload, personnel, infrastructure and equipment needs of public crime laboratories, medical examiners and coroner offices. The Act also directed an evaluation of the current state of forensic science education in the country.
The needs assessment was carried out by NIJ across public crime laboratories and medical examiners/coroner offices in 2017 and 2018. The reported used mixed methodology to include evaluation of available quantitative data regarding crime laboratories and targeted sessions with various stakeholders. The report curates evidence and narratives on how the forensic field is adapting to the developments in technology, the increasing workload and how the system is evolving to fit the needs of the criminal justice system. The report also provides a comprehensive list of needs and challenges being faced by the community as well as promising practices observed across the US to tackle some of these challenges.
Texas Forensic Science Commission’s (TFSC) Final Audit Report for Austin Police Department Forensic Services Division DNA Section (Audit Report), 2020
In 2016, Texas Forensic Science Commission conducted an audit of the Austin Police Department (APD) DNA laboratory. Following this, the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law, reviewed the issues identified in the aforementioned audit and summarized its findings in this report. The report identifies the errors conducted by the analysts in the laboratory and elaborates on areas that require further improvement. The audit identified 57 factors that affected the quality issues in the APD DNA Laboratory The report is an interesting case study of a DNA laboratory and how ill-equipped systems can affect the working within the laboratory. The report, based on stakeholder discussions presents recommendations for better quality output from DNA laboratories.
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Report To The President: Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods, (2016)
The United States President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group, which was re-chartered by President Barack Obama in 2010 to advise him on issues involving science and technology. In 2015, PCAST was mandated to identify the necessary steps to ensure the scientific validity of forensic evidence within the legal system. PCAST conducted an extensive review of scientific literature on seven forensic disciplines i.e. DNA profiling (single source samples and mixtures), bitemark, fingerprint, firearms, footwear and hair analysis, and consulted with a wide range of forensic experts, lawyers, prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and researchers.
The report outlines the scientific criteria for establishing the validity and reliability for forensic disciplines. It evaluates the scientific validity of the forensic disciplines based on these standards and offers recommendations for further assessment of these techniques.
Dr. Gopal Ji Misra and Dr. C. Damodaran, Perspective Plan for Indian Forensics, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi (2010)
The Ministry of Home Affairs commissioned two directors of forensic science laboratories, Dr. Gopal Ji Mishra (Director FSL Chandigarh) and Dr. C. Damodaran (Director, FSL Chennai) as consultants to evaluate the existing organisational structure of forensic sciences in India and gaps in technology and manpower. The consultants gathered data from a wide range of stakeholders including forensic science laboratories, forensic science universities, judicial academics, prosecutors, bar councils, investigative agencies, on different aspects of forensic science. The report provides recommendations for strengthening the forensic science system in India through improvements in infrastructure, human resource, training and education, accreditation and quality management. The report also recommends an overhaul of the regulatory set-up on forensic science in India. Read More →
Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, National Research Council, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009)
National Academies of Science (NAS), was established by the US Congress as a private nongovernmental institution responsible for providing independent and objective advice on matters related to science and technology. The National Research Council (NRC), a part of the NAS conducted this research with the mandate to assess the present and future needs of the forensic science community and to examine issues pertaining to the practice of forensic science. The committee responsible for this research consisted of members from the forensic science community, legal community, and a diverse group of scientists. The report assesses the scientific foundations of different forensic methods and technologies. Considering the limitations of forensic pattern evidence such as bitemark comparison, toolmark analysis, hair microscopy, footprints or shoemark analysis, lack a scientific method of examination and need to be empirically tested. The report also provides a wide range of recommendations for improving the administration and infrastructure of forensic science laboratories.
National Human Rights Commission, State of the Art Forensic Sciences: For Criminal Justice (1999)
National Human Rights Commision(NHRC) is a statutory public body established under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 1993. It is responsible for the protection of human rights and for providing recommendations to ensure human rights are not violated.
Justice V.S. Malimath, who was a member of NHRC initiated this study to evaluate the gaps and needs of forensic science in India. NHRC recognised how forensic science plays a crucial role in criminal investigation and therefore was an important aspect of human rights. Dr. R.K. Tiwari Chief Forensic Scientist at Bureau of Police Research and Development, was made the Convener of the core committee of scientists that took up this project. The report is the first of its kind to provide a detailed description of the situation surrounding forensic science in India. The mandate of the core committee required them to identify current inadequacies behind the and to analyse the reasons behind them. The authors examine the gaps existing in the system and provide recommendations to strengthen the forensic science infrastructure in India. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for consideration.