Standartization of Forensic Activities and Certification of Expert Laboratories as a Factor for the Development of Forensic Examination

Abstract

The author has carried out the analysis of the perspectives for certification of domestic forensic laboratories for the compliance with international standards, which would contribute to the creation of an effective legal mechanism for the transition to a new level of development of forensic technologies. The main factors of administrative and legal regulation in the field of standardization have been studied. In accordance with the requirements of DSTU ISO / IEC 17025 the principles of organization and implementation of the quality management system (QMS) into forensic laboratories have been determined.
 It has been established that the execution of the DSTU ISO / IEC 17025 requirements needs significant resources and financial costs from the laboratory. The author has provided clarification to the main stages of preparation for certification, which include measures on developing management documentation (Guidelines, Regulations on forensic laboratory, Accreditation Area), on inventory of existing equipment, metrological support of laboratory activities, preparation and submission of applications to the accreditation agency. It has been noted that certified forensic laboratories should use certified expert methods within their activities that can ensure reliable results during the research. Methodologies should be tested in other reputable organizations or validated directly in the laboratory. Considerable attention has been paid to the quality of standard samples, reagents and materials. The emphasis has been placed on the need to participate in proficiency testing programs based on the results of interlaboratory comparative tests as an effective way to monitor the activities of the forensic laboratory.
 The author has substantiated the conclusion that the standardization processes of forensic activity and certification of forensic laboratories are aimed at increasing the level of metrological work to protect citizens and the national economy of Ukraine from the consequences of unreliable measurement results.