The role of the forensic science laboratory

Abstract

Every incident attended by police in Australia is always initially considered to be a potential crime scene until evidence dictates otherwise. Consequently, forensic science organisational responsibilities typically include: ? The provision of a coordinated multidisciplined scientific field and laboratory response in support of both criminal and non-criminal investigations. ? The effective management of a disaster victim identification (DVI) response to a multi-casualty incident on behalf of the Coroner. In other words, the forensic science mission includes both the crisis (including threat assessment) and consequence of any incident or potential incident.