The role of forensic science throughout the world is changing due to recent technological development. Whereas forensic science has traditionally supported police work, the field has begun moving into the spotlight as new research allows for more rapid and science-based reconstructions of crime scenes based on a smaller amount of evidence. In addition, forensic disciplines such as DNA profiles and digital evidence have made new sources of reliable evidence available to crime investigators.
However, most forensic laboratories scattered across the globe have very limited access to funding for research and development, and there is little centralized governance. In practice, the forensic science field remains extremely slow to change.
To explore these trends and challenges, the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) has developed a white paper that discusses the current governance and structure of forensic science and recommends a path forward. To access this white paper, please click here to open it as a pdf file. It is also available on the NFI website.
