Case Study

US Justice Department Announces New Accreditation Policies to Advance Forensic Science

The US Justice Department requires department-run forensic labs to obtain and maintain accreditation and requires all department prosecutors to use accredited labs to process forensic evidence when practicable. Additionally, the department has decided to use its grant funding mechanisms to encourage other labs around the country to pursue accreditation.

The new policies arose out of recommendations made by the National Commission of Forensic Science (NCFS), which was established to advance the field of forensic science and make suggestions to the Attorney General on how to ensure that reliable and scientifically valid evidence is used when solving crimes.

Further information is available from the US Justice Department website.