Forensic Science Education And Training

A comprehensive and innovative guide to teaching, learning and assessment in forensic science education and practitioner training Includes student exercises for mock crime scene and disaster scenarios Addresses innovative teaching methods including apps and e-gaming Discusses existing and proposed teaching methods

The results of forensic investigations often can be the difference between acquittal and conviction in a court of law. The validity of those results depends on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the forensic scientists working to obtain them. The National Institute of Justice, with support from the West Virginia University, created the Technical Working Group for Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED) to establish best practices for educating and training forensic scientists. The working group developed the consensus criteria and recommendations presented in this report. This information serves students as they prepare for a career in forensic science, educational institutions as they develop and revamp curriculums, and forensic scientists as they advance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the constantly evolving forensic science disciplines.

Forensic scientists play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, providing crucial information about the evidence to the trier of fact. Because the work they do both at the crime scene and in the laboratory often must be used in court, it is especial ly important that the training and educa tion of forensic scientists provide a solid scientific background and a broad base in criminalistics.

The Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED) is a multidisciplinary group of content area experts from across the United States and Canada, from both urban and rural jurisdictions, each representing his or her respective agency or practice. Each individual is involved in educating and/or training forensic scientists (as students or professionals). They represent academia, forensic science laboratories, professional forensic science organizations, and the legal system.

A comprehensive and innovative guide to teaching, learning and assessment in forensic science education and practitioner training Includes student exercises for mock crime scene and disaster scenarios Addresses innovative teaching methods including apps and e-gaming Discusses existing and proposed teaching methods

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.