The present situation of forensic sciences of police in Japan and the National Research Institute of Police Science

Abstract

The present situation of the forensic science activities of the Japanese police organization and the National Research Institute of Police Science (NRIPS) is described, with a brief history of forensic science development in Japan. More than 90% of the case work in forensic science is practiced by the well-qualified scientists and technicians working for the forensic science laboratories and identification sections of the prefectural police headquarters. The NRIPS is concerned with research, case work, training and advising the forensic scientists in the forensic science laboratories, and international exchange in forensic science, acting as a central forensic science laboratory in Japan. A brief description of forensic science activities of every division of NRIPS is also given.