Mandatory certification of forensic science practitioners in the United States: A supportive perspective

Abstract

The article presented is supportive of mandatory certification of forensic scientists and believes that such a mandate can help establish a threshold for competency in the profession, provide a universal standard for ethical professional conduct, and enhance the credibility of forensic science in users of the profession and the general societal public. After examining the history of professional certification in the United States across a spectrum of professions including forensic science, results of surveys sent to forensic science practitioners to gauge their views on mandatory certification is discussed. Seventy-three surveys were received with most surveyors being in support of mandatory certification related to their discipline. Reasons why many practitioners have chosen not to engage in voluntary certification were also provided on the surveys and discussed. Finally, the article discusses possible ways of implementing mandatory certification and concludes that the mechanisms to achieve this goal may already be in place. Keywords: Professional certification, Forensic science practice, ISO 17024