Forensic Science International: Synergy (Jan 2024)
Understanding ‘error’ in the forensic sciences: A primer
- Kristy A. Martire,
- Jason M. Chin,
- Carolyn Davis,
- Gary Edmond,
- Bethany Growns,
- Stacey Gorski,
- Richard I. Kemp,
- Zara Lee,
- Christopher M. Verdon,
- Gabrielle Jansen,
- Tanya Lang,
- Tess M.S. Neal,
- Rachel A. Searston,
- Joshua Slocum,
- Stephanie Summersby,
- Jason M. Tangen,
- Matthew B. Thompson,
- Alice Towler,
- Darren Watson,
- Melissa V. Werrett,
- Mariam Younan,
- Kaye N. Ballantyne
Affiliations
- Kristy A. Martire
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia; Corresponding author.
- Jason M. Chin
- College of Law, ANU, Australia
- Carolyn Davis
- Major Crime Scene Unit, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Gary Edmond
- School of Law, Society & Criminology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
- Bethany Growns
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
- Stacey Gorski
- Biological Sciences Group, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Richard I. Kemp
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
- Zara Lee
- Fingerprint Sciences Group, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Christopher M. Verdon
- Drug Sciences Group, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Gabrielle Jansen
- Morwell Forensic Hub, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Tanya Lang
- Major Crime Scene Unit, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Tess M.S. Neal
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, USA
- Rachel A. Searston
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Joshua Slocum
- Fingerprint Sciences Group, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Stephanie Summersby
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Jason M. Tangen
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Matthew B. Thompson
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Australia; Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia
- Alice Towler
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Darren Watson
- Ballistics Unit, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Melissa V. Werrett
- Chemical Trace Unit, Chemical and Physical Sciences Group, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Mariam Younan
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
- Kaye N. Ballantyne
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Australia
- Journal volume & issue
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Vol. 8
p. 100470
Abstract
This paper distils seven key lessons about ‘error’ from a collaborative webinar series between practitioners at Victoria Police Forensic Services Department and academics. It aims to provide the common understanding of error necessary to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and research. The lessons underscore the inevitability, complexity and subjectivity of error, as well as opportunities for learning and growth. Ultimately, we argue that error can be a potent tool for continuous improvement and accountability, enhancing the reliability of forensic sciences and public trust. It is hoped the shared understanding provided by this paper will support future initiatives and funding for collaborative developments in this vital domain.
