Accreditation & Certification in Forensic Science Understanding the Difference Phil T. Pulaski, Esq. Retired Chief of Detectives, NYPD

Definitions Forensic Science Service Provider (an entity comprised of 1 or more individuals) Forensic Medicine Service Provider (an entity comprised of 1 or more individuals) Forensic Science Practitioner (an individual) Forensic Medicine Practitioner (an individual) 2

Accreditation vs Certification Accreditation Forensic Science Service Provider – entity Forensic Medicine Service Provider - entity Certification Forensic Science Practitioner – individual Forensic Medicine Practitioner - individual 3

Accreditation

Acknowledgement National Commission on Forensic Science, Accreditation and Proficiency Testing Subcommittee Co-Chairs Linda Jackson (Dir. Va. Dept. of Forensic Services) and Patricia Manzolillo (Dir. USPS Forensic Laboratory) 21 members on the sub-committee 5

Accreditation Recognition of technical competence through independent third party assessment of FSSP’s quality, administrative and technical systems Promotes FSSP accountability by requiring that customer feedback and complaints are addressed Identifies FSSPs that comply with established standards Specific criteria based upon accepted industry standards and applicable international standards are used to ensure a FSSP is competent to generate and interpret results that are accurate and reliable Management and technical criteria regarding quality, administrative, evidence control and technical systems Proficiency Testing system Specific scope of accreditation 6

Accreditation Assessment by peer technical experts (salaried/volunteer, full/part time) Document review off-site + scheduled on-site assessment to review case files and observe laboratory operations Assessment Report prepared and non-conforming activities, if any, listed Remediation, if any, monitored to ensure appropriate corrective action(s) have been implemented Accreditation granted Self reporting of non-conforming activity to accrediting body Individual non-conforming activities (specific categories) Yearly Periodic surveillance visit Periodic reassessment Suspension or revocation of accreditation if fail to maintain standards Fees 7

Accreditation Standards ISO/IEC Testing and calibration of items Opinions and interpretations limited to items tested or calibrated ISO/IEC Inspection of products, processes, services or installations Requires professional judgment when determining conformity with general requirements ISO/IEC Medical laboratory requirements for quality and competence Supplemental (additional or more expansive) requirements applicable to the specific industry 8

Accreditation Accreditation Bodies / Accreditation Providers Recognition by an international accreditation cooperation (ILAC, APLAC, IAAC) Peer evaluation using ISO/IEC and supplemental requirements Sign Mutual Recognition Arrangement Not recognized Accreditation mandated by legislation Universal accreditation – NCFS Policy recommendation to USAG What accreditation does NOT do Protect against intentional misconduct Ensure the validity of a particular forensic discipline Review 100% of a FSSP’s casework Guarantee everything will always be correct! Admissibility of witness or evidence in court 9

Certification

Recognition by an independent body that an individual has acquired and demonstrated specialized knowledge, skills and abilities in the standard practices necessary to execute the duties of their profession Certification programs may include Written test Practical test Verbal demonstration Evaluation of education, training and practical experience Continuing education / training Adherence to a code of ethics Re-testing Identifies individuals who have successfully demonstrated compliance with established requirements 11

Certification Multiple certifications for 1 individual may be required Certification does not involve evaluating the quality, administrative, evidence control or technical systems used by the individual Not all forensic disciplines and sub-disciplines have a certification program (small # of practitioners {< 50}) Several different Certification Bodies Existing certification programs differ in their process Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) - voluntary Collective bargaining and union issues (preparation time/money costs, increased salary demands, terms of employment, etc.) Current employees Position descriptions for new hires 12

Certification Costs Money and time Existing analysts who do not achieve certification New graduates who don’t meet the experience requirements Multiple certifications for 1 individual may be difficult due to $ and time constraints and may result in a loss of expertise (FSP and FSSP) Relevance of certification to practitioners work in the FSSP “Training to Competency” (Accreditation Standard) Universal Certification 13

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