Harmonization of forensic science procedures – an urgent need

doi:10.15406/frcij.2023.11.00377

eISSN: 2469-2794

Forensic Research & Criminology International Journal

Editorial Volume 11 Issue 3

Harmonization of forensic science procedures – an urgent need

Tulsidas R Baggi

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Formerly of Central Forensic Science Laboratory / Osmania University, India

Correspondence: Tulsidas R Baggi Director (Retd.), Central Forensic Science Laboratory, MHA, Govt. of India, HyderabadTS 500013, India & Formerly Academic Coordinator, Forensic Science Unit, Department of Chemistry, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad-TS, India

Received: September 12, 2023 | Published: September 19, 2023

Citation: Baggi TR. Harmonization of forensic science procedures – an urgent need. Forensic Res Criminol Int J. 2023;11(3):112. DOI: 10.15406/frcij.2023.11.00377

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Editorial

A crucial component of the delivery system for criminal justice, is forensic science. It is a dynamic, multidisciplinary science. The use of forensic science has enhanced the thoroughness and precision of criminal investigations and court cases, from the gathering of evidence at crime scenes to the presentation of expert testimony. Different forensic disciplines are always being improved and perfected as a result of fresh, ground-breaking developments in the pure and applied sciences. Since this scientific background provides certainty, courts rely on forensic evidence.

However, not every forensic profession has a basis that has undergone empirical research. While the scientific validity of laboratory-based disciplines such as forensic chemistry, forensic physics, and forensic biology, including DNA profiling, is well-established, pattern-matching disciplines such as footwear impressions, firearms analysis, document examination, and tool marks are more subjective and have less scrutiny of their scientific underpinnings. Cyber forensics is a crucial new subject that is also taking root, but it still needs to be created and standardized. Therefore, it is essential that the forensic and legal systems develop and make sure that only methods that are scientifically valid, trustworthy, and unambiguous are used.

Addressing the difficulties forensic science laboratories face in managing and operating are equally crucial. In order for forensic science laboratories to be able to define their own priorities for budgetary needs, infrastructure, human resources, training, and case examination, it is crucial to protect their operational and financial independence. Additionally, concerns about finances and spending, human resources, and case management differ between laboratories and divisions and need to be understood independently.

Harmonizing standard operating procedures across the nations is urgently needed to address the needs of the forensic science system combined with the collection of quantitative and qualitative data with a comparative analysis of best practices used in international jurisdictions. The commitment of the study to examine forensic science through the prism of theoretical considerations and quality control is also not adequately explored in many organizations. All the nations should set up procedures for putting the recommendations of the international harmonization efforts into practice in order to reform the forensic science system. As a result, only solidly supported scientific reports would be presented in court. It is vital to conduct such periodic surveys, followed by critical, technical, and statistical analysis, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the system and updating the same.