What is the value of forensic science? An overview of the effectiveness of forensic science in the Australian criminal justice system project

Abstract

Forensic science is increasingly relied upon by law enforcement to assist in solving crime and gaining convictions, and by the judicial system in the adjudication of specific criminal cases. However, the value of forensic science relative to the work involved and the outcome of cases has yet to be established in the Australian context. Previous research in this area has mainly focused on the science and technology, rather than examining how people can use forensic services/science to the best possible advantage to produce appropriate justice outcomes. This five-year project entails an investigation into the effectiveness of forensic science in police investigations and court trials. It aims to identify when, where and how forensic science can add value to criminal investigations, court trials and justice outcomes while ensuring the efficient use of available resources initially in the Victorian and the ACT criminal justice systems and ultimately across Australia and New Zealand. This paper provides an overview of the rationale and aims of the research project and discusses current work-in-progress.

Keywords:

• investigations
• intelligence-led
• police
• crime scene
• effectiveness
• efficiency

Acknowledgments and authors notes

The research team for this project include social science researchers from The Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) and the University of Tasmania together with forensic science researchers from University of Technology, Sydney, University of Canberra and the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) is based at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). The Institute conducts high quality empirical research for police and law enforcement practitioners and agencies. Researchers at TILES aim to produce results their clients want and need. For more information visit the TILES website at http://www.utas. edu.au/tiles/.

We acknowledge the support of the Australian Research Council (LP0882797) and our industry partners, Victoria Police, ACT Policing; the National Institute of Forensic Science and Forensic Foundations for funding this collaborative research project.

For further information please visit the project webpage on http://www.utas.edu.au/tiles/research_projects/forensic_science_project.html