Challenges for forensic science: new demands in today’s world

Abstract

In their 2009 report entitled ‘Strengthening forensic science in the United States: a path forward,’ the National Research Council (NRC) provided an assessment of the past, present, and future state of forensic science – especially related to impression evidence. The NRC described the need for further advances in some forensic science disciplines in order to improve criminal investigations, reduce the possibility of wrongful convictions, and to enhance national security. Recent events in international and domestic terrorism and the identification of dozens of wrongful convictions have further demonstrated the need for forensic science to address new challenges. From the bioterrorism events within the United States related to the anthrax mailings, to the seemingly endless stream of improvised explosive devices in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, forensic science has new demands and an increasingly important opportunity to play a vital role in the world’s major events. With this demand comes a requirement to enhance the very foundations on which many disciplines in forensic science rest. The need for objective, scientifically-based criteria for determining identifications has never been more important and it will take researchers and practitioners working together to move forensic science in the proper direction.