While many of the people working in forensic science have sufficient accreditation to back up their work, some laboratories are still using uncertified so-called experts, which automatically lowers the credibility of their results. This is why laboratories across the country should tighten their standards, in order to prove their capabilities.

 

The report assessed that this problem is caused by the fact that operational principles and procedures for many forensic science disciplines have not been standardized or embraces, either between or within jurisdictions.

 

The report warns that some of the forensic science disciplines applied in laboratories across the country have not yet benefitted of sufficient research so as to present the most accurate evidence. Over the past two decades, the advance of some technologies has also revealed that faulty forensic science analysis may have contributed to the conviction of innocent people.

 

The report found that at this point, the most reliable method to be used is DNA analysis. All other forensic disciplines seem to lack research, and are often insufficient to provide reliable connection between a specific individual and evidence.

 

By taking a close look at the DNA method used today by forensic science, it becomes clear that this is ultimately the only discipline to have enjoyed wide support, due to the fact that it has proven its capacity to link suspects and evidence with the highest degree of accuracy. This is indeed the method capable of offering the most precise results, compared to others. But on the other hand, every bit counts, and perfecting other disciplines would also mean reducing the number of suspects, thus easing the investigation.

 

This is why the report calls for additional resources to support forensic research in general, and laboratories that are still struggling with being understaffed or underfunded in particular.

 

Furthermore, the report also states that although some techniques may not allow the identification of a specific individual, they may still provide useful information about questions of classification. This is why a body of research is required, in order to establish the limits and measures of performance and to address the impact of sources of variability and potential bias.

 

The Congress has been urged to adopt a long-term plan regarding the research, reform, and funding of forensic science, as well as to establish a new National Institute of Forensic Science for the adoption of professional standards. The institute should have a full-time administrator and an advisory board with expertise in research and education, forensic science, physical and life sciences, forensic pathology, engineering, information technology, measurements and standards, testing and evaluation, law, national security, and public policy.