Forensic advisors: The missing link

Abstract

In this paper we advocate for the re‐establishment of the generalist role in forensic science systems in the form of a forensic advisor. The generalist can be defined as an individual possessing a broad scientific knowledge base coupled with comprehensive knowledge of forensic science, criminalistics, traces, crime scene and criminal investigations. The forensic advisor's role is that of a collaborative, non‐competitive effort intended to provide scientific consultation with the myriad actors in the investigative process to advance justice and aid in crime prevention efforts. The generalist forensic scientist, in the role of forensic advisor, helps bridge gaps and break down silos by facilitating communication between actors and overseeing the potential contribution of traces in investigatory efforts. The purposes of this paper are to address the current status of forensic advisors within existing organisational frameworks; to propose roles and responsibilities of the forensic advisor; to delineate the key attributes of the forensic advisor; and to present challenges to implementing this advisor role within a jurisdiction. In developing the roles and responsibilities of the forensic advisor, we examine front‐end, midpoint and back‐end stages of an investigation. Despite organizational challenges explored in this article, the introduction of forensic advisors can serve to diversify the contribution of forensic science and improve the efficiency of the delivery of forensic science services. This article is categorized under: Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Intelligence and the Value of Forensic Science

“…Subsequently to these publications, there have been several manuscripts that highlight the key role of intelligence involving the crime laboratory [45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57]. While these manuscripts address the role of intelligence in general, other contributions to the literature address the role of intelligence in specific areas of investigation including crime scene investigation [58,59], DNA [60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78], digital evidence [79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88], document examination [89][90][91], drugs-controlled substances [38,…”

“…This move to shared databases expands the power of the leads from those reported by the IA to additional searches by the investigators, bringing front-end forensics into greater use. The IA becomes the bridge to connect the participants in the justice system, solve existing investigations, and prevent future crime [45].…”

Interpol review of forensic management, 2019–2022

“…Perhaps there is a stronger role for the forensic generalist or intelligence analyst to bridge the gaps between silos and expand the linkages between the forensic laboratory and police investigators [ 39 , 61 ]. Various alternative methods have been proposed to improve the role of forensic intelligence in investigation [ 62 , 63 ].…”

An exercise in scientific problem‐solving: Illustrating the utility of the principles of the Sydney Declaration

“…With an undefined combination of imagination and reasoning, relevant and testable hypotheses may be developed in a few seconds. Generalist forensic scientists are best equipped to investigate the traces of physical events due to their familiarity with and broad understanding of such phenomena as articulated in Principles 2 and 3 of the Sydney Declaration, which asserts the need for scientific expertise in scene investigation and reliance on scientific processes characterized by a method punctuated with critical thinking and reasoning, respectively [1,8].…”

“…Principle 2 of the Sydney Declaration states that scene investigation is a scientific and diagnostic endeavor requiring scientific expertise. As such, forensic scientists have advocated for experienced scientists with oversight responsibility at the crime scene [6,7] and additionally serving as forensic advisors within the forensic science system [8]. Since the traces that make up the record are produced according to physical processes and laws, an understanding of the principles behind these processes and laws requires scientific knowledge for effective recognition and proper interpretation of traces (described in Principle 1 of the Sydney Declaration).…”