Citation

Samarji A. Forensic Sci. Pol. Manag. 2014; 5(1-2): 38-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19409044.2014.929760

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The argument on whether forensic science is a standalone profession or merely a combination of technical and scientific derivatives relating to criminal investigation remains an unsettled one. An organizational uncertainty arrives in collaboration with such ongoing argument. The uncertainty revolves around whether forensic science as a profession is capable of surviving, promoting its scientific identity, and supporting justice through an independent organizational structure that escapes the continuous control and dominance of law enforcement agencies. This paper will attempt to generate some perspectives from an Australian lens towards understanding this organizational uncertainty. In an attempt to address this issue and following an analytical review of literature, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups of participants about their opinions and perceptions relating to this topic. Informed by literature and research findings, this paper argues that scientific culture and police culture problematically coexist. However, the nature and context of forensic inquiries demand a close collaboration between forensic scientists and the police. This paper proposes a progressively developing independent structure (PDIS) as a flexible progressing transitional model towards higher levels of autonomy for forensic science centers and laboratories while maintaining true partnerships with law enforcement agencies. This study prompts for further research and investigation of the proposed model across various contexts and jurisdictions worldwide.