Basic elements of a quality assurance system for forensic document examiners

Abstract

A quality assurance system is described for a document examination unit which will encourage the production of reliable, consistent and informative results based on recommended, up-to-date techniques and sound scientific practices. The overall system is comprised of several quality assurance components of laboratory work. The overall system is comprised of several quality assurance sub-systems integrated into the training, operational and research components of laboratory work. The implementation of a quality assurance program requires the full support of laboratory management and the cooperation of bench scientists to achieve and maintain the high levels of performance demanded by both user agencies and the courts.