NCJ Number
117400
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 169-175
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Technological advances have had impacts on four aspects of the practice of forensic science in Canada: personnel, organizational design, capital resources, and communication and cooperation.
Abstract
The impacts on personnel relate both to staff recruitment and to staff development. Technological advances make it necessary to raise the academic standards for recruitment and become more specific in scrutinizing academic qualifications. Applicants must also have the potential for developing more effective communications skills as expert witnesses. In addition, appropriate resources must be allocated to the training of existing staff. Technological advances will also result in increases in the ratio of technologist support staff to the forensic scientists who go to court. The high costs of new equipment will also require efforts to maximize the use of existing equipment and the operation of laboratories on more than one shift. Finally, improved communication and cooperation among laboratories will be essential.