Submitted by: Forensics Committee

Co-Sponsored by: Digital Evidence, Firearms, Police Investigative Operations, Arsons & Explosives, Roadway Safety, Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs

WHEREAS police professionals have a responsibility to advocate the critical role of forensic science service providers to recognize, collect, and analyze physical and digital evidence; and
interpret and report results to provide investigative leads and support legal proceedings; and

WHEREAS police professionals and forensic science service providers have independent but overlapping responsibilities; and

WHEREAS the process of developing, publishing, and implementing forensic science standards
have important implications for criminal justice, public health, and public safety communities;
and

WHEREAS forensic science standards enhance the validity, reliability, and impartiality of results
in all jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS a forensic science standard published by national or international standards
development organizations specifies minimum criteria or best practice recommendations using a consensus-based process; and

WHEREAS the National Institute of Standards and Technology established the Organization of
Scientific Area Committees Forensic Science Registry, a global repository of selected published and proposed standards; and

WHEREAS efforts to improve and standardize all forensic science services include development and implementation of standards; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the International Association of Chiefs of Police encourages policing agencies to collaborate with forensic science service providers, standards development organizations, and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that policing agencies should encourage all forensic science service
providers to implement and adhere, to the extent possible, to published forensic science standards.