international association for identification (iai)forensic odontology forensic photography and...

International International Association for Association for

Identification (IAI)Identification (IAI)

NAS NAS -- Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science CommunityForensic Science Community

Presentation December 6, 2007Presentation December 6, 2007

President Kenneth F. MartinPresident Kenneth F. Martin

IAIIAI

�� Represents some 7,000 membersRepresents some 7,000 members

�� January 2007, Joe Polski, Chief January 2007, Joe Polski, Chief Operations Officer presents to NASOperations Officer presents to NAS

�� September 19, 2007 IAI Positions and September 19, 2007 IAI Positions and Recommendations Paper submitted to Recommendations Paper submitted to NAS for considerationNAS for consideration

IAIIAI�� Disciplines Represented:Disciplines Represented:

�� Bloodstain Pattern IdentificationBloodstain Pattern Identification�� Crime Scene InvestigationCrime Scene Investigation�� Latent Fingerprint IdentificationLatent Fingerprint Identification�� TenprintTenprint IdentificationIdentification�� Firearm and Firearm and ToolmarkToolmark IdentificationIdentification�� Footwear and Tire Track IdentificationFootwear and Tire Track Identification�� Forensic ArtForensic Art�� Forensic laboratory AnalysisForensic laboratory Analysis�� Forensic PodiatryForensic Podiatry�� Forensic Forensic OdontologyOdontology�� Forensic Photography and Electronic ImagingForensic Photography and Electronic Imaging�� Questioned DocumentsQuestioned Documents�� Forensic AnthropologyForensic Anthropology�� Digital EvidenceDigital Evidence

IAIIAI

�� If for any reason the IAI becomes aware of If for any reason the IAI becomes aware of any forensic science discipline any forensic science discipline represented by this Association as being represented by this Association as being unreliable or lacking a sufficient basis for unreliable or lacking a sufficient basis for conducting forensic examinations or conducting forensic examinations or reaching stated conclusions, the IAI would reaching stated conclusions, the IAI would take immediate action. Either by removal take immediate action. Either by removal of the discipline or a revised position of the discipline or a revised position regarding reliabilityregarding reliability

Position Paper HighlightsPosition Paper Highlights

�� The IAI strives for excellence by its members in The IAI strives for excellence by its members in performing forensic examinations regardless by performing forensic examinations regardless by whom they are employed in support of civil and whom they are employed in support of civil and criminal investigationscriminal investigations

�� The IAI fosters this goal by itsThe IAI fosters this goal by its�� Educational conferencesEducational conferences�� Standing committeesStanding committees�� Certification ProgramsCertification Programs�� Application to the Forensics Specialties Accreditation Application to the Forensics Specialties Accreditation

Board (FSAB)Board (FSAB)�� Professional Review Boards (PRB)Professional Review Boards (PRB)


�� Current IAI Certification Programs:Current IAI Certification Programs:�� Bloodstain Pattern AnalysisBloodstain Pattern Analysis

�� Crime Scene CertificationCrime Scene Certification

�� Footwear CertificationFootwear Certification

�� Forensic Art CertificationForensic Art Certification

�� Latent Print CertificationLatent Print Certification

�� Forensic Photography/Imaging CertificationForensic Photography/Imaging Certification

�� TenprintTenprint Fingerprint CertificationFingerprint Certification


�� The IAI believes that the forensic science The IAI believes that the forensic science disciplines represented by the IAI are disciplines represented by the IAI are capable of performing forensic capable of performing forensic examinations which provide reliable examinations which provide reliable conclusions when the individuals are:conclusions when the individuals are:�� Trained to competencyTrained to competency

�� Using scientific and professionally accepted Using scientific and professionally accepted practices and procedurespractices and procedures


�� The IAI believes that each of the forensic The IAI believes that each of the forensic disciplines represented by the IAI would benefit disciplines represented by the IAI would benefit from an improved NATIONAL infrastructure from an improved NATIONAL infrastructure which provides:which provides:

1.1. A standardized education and training programA standardized education and training program2.2. A strategic plan to include both a short term and A strategic plan to include both a short term and

long term research agendalong term research agenda3.3. Standardized operating proceduresStandardized operating procedures4.4. Enforcement mechanisms to comply with 1Enforcement mechanisms to comply with 1--335.5. Adequate funding necessary to achieve 1Adequate funding necessary to achieve 1--4 and to 4 and to

sustain the infrastructuresustain the infrastructure


�� The IAI recognizes and supports the Scientific Working The IAI recognizes and supports the Scientific Working Groups (Groups (SWGSWG’’ss) sponsored by the FBI, as an integral ) sponsored by the FBI, as an integral part of maintaining the forensic science disciplines part of maintaining the forensic science disciplines currently providing guidelines to practitionerscurrently providing guidelines to practitioners�� Many IAI members are also members of the various Many IAI members are also members of the various SWGSWG’’ss

�� The IAI recognizes that neither the IAI nor the The IAI recognizes that neither the IAI nor the SWGSWG’’ss(with the exception of SWGDAM(with the exception of SWGDAM-- for forensic DNA) has for forensic DNA) has any enforcement authority concerning the enforcement any enforcement authority concerning the enforcement of guidelines and standardsof guidelines and standards�� With the lack of enforcement abilities coupled with the lack of With the lack of enforcement abilities coupled with the lack of

recognition by some agencies has created a problem in some recognition by some agencies has created a problem in some instances that can only be satisfied by a formalized standard instances that can only be satisfied by a formalized standard setting body such as DAB (DNA Advisory Board) with similar setting body such as DAB (DNA Advisory Board) with similar standard setting authoritystandard setting authority


�� The IAI believes that historically, forensic The IAI believes that historically, forensic sciences have addressed the needs of the sciences have addressed the needs of the public and judicial communities, and as any public and judicial communities, and as any good science, continuously strives to improvegood science, continuously strives to improve�� This has been a struggle due to the lack of a wellThis has been a struggle due to the lack of a well--

defined and funded forensic science infrastructuredefined and funded forensic science infrastructure�� Over the past 10 years emphasis on DNA has Over the past 10 years emphasis on DNA has

brought forward a business model that has brought forward a business model that has proved effective in establishing the discipline to proved effective in establishing the discipline to a well respected and scientifically sound a well respected and scientifically sound science. It is a model that needs to be fostered science. It is a model that needs to be fostered for the remaining forensic disciplines.for the remaining forensic disciplines.


�� The DNA business model has led to:The DNA business model has led to:�� Congressional legislationCongressional legislation

�� Enforcement authority over the disciplineEnforcement authority over the discipline

�� Training requirementsTraining requirements

�� Mandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPMandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’’s)s)

�� Accreditation and Certification ProgramsAccreditation and Certification Programs

�� FUNDING to insure successFUNDING to insure success�� Funding has exceeded all other forensic sciences combinedFunding has exceeded all other forensic sciences combined

�� Continued backlog of casesContinued backlog of cases


�� The IAI recognizes the need and the The IAI recognizes the need and the importance of researchimportance of research

�� The IAI realizes that research is best The IAI realizes that research is best performed as a cooperative initiative with:performed as a cooperative initiative with:�� Colleges and universitiesColleges and universities

�� Private and public research laboratoriesPrivate and public research laboratories

�� Product manufacturers Product manufacturers

�� Forensic practitioners Forensic practitioners


�� The IAI believes that there are numerous The IAI believes that there are numerous research initiatives being funded and research initiatives being funded and pursued with no overpursued with no over--arching strategic arching strategic planplan

�� The current approach at best provides little The current approach at best provides little benefit at a great cost in comparison to a benefit at a great cost in comparison to a well formulate and administered program well formulate and administered program on a national if not in conjunction with an on a national if not in conjunction with an international programinternational program


�� There is a need for a National/International There is a need for a National/International Forensic Science Research Strategic Plan Forensic Science Research Strategic Plan which coordinates:which coordinates:�� Discipline specific researchDiscipline specific research

�� Determined by a discipline specific strategic boardDetermined by a discipline specific strategic board

�� Research priorities and goalsResearch priorities and goals�� Sequence of researchSequence of research�� Data collection and availabilityData collection and availability�� A mechanism for continuous fundingA mechanism for continuous funding


�� The IAI supports the creation of a The IAI supports the creation of a business infrastructure which encourages business infrastructure which encourages a greater involvement of those outside the a greater involvement of those outside the forensic science community providing a forensic science community providing a mechanism for communicating their mechanism for communicating their concernsconcerns�� JudiciaryJudiciary

�� General scientific communityGeneral scientific community


�� The IAI endorses the accreditation of The IAI endorses the accreditation of forensic science operationsforensic science operations�� Although widely accepted by crime labs, it is Although widely accepted by crime labs, it is

not necessarily the case with other forensic not necessarily the case with other forensic service providers such as ID Unitsservice providers such as ID Units

�� Accreditation would solve the debate over Accreditation would solve the debate over placement of services by forcing agencies to placement of services by forcing agencies to make decisionsmake decisions�� Some advocate for their elimination not feasible Some advocate for their elimination not feasible

(66% fingerprint analysis by ID Units)(66% fingerprint analysis by ID Units)


�� The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress that a national forensic science program be that a national forensic science program be established that would create the business established that would create the business infrastructure to achieve:infrastructure to achieve:

1.1. A standardized education and training program for each A standardized education and training program for each forensic disciplineforensic discipline

2.2. A short and long term research plan for each forensic A short and long term research plan for each forensic disciplinediscipline

3.3. Standardized operating procedures for each forensic disciplineStandardized operating procedures for each forensic discipline4.4. Enforcement mechanisms to comply with 1Enforcement mechanisms to comply with 1--335.5. Adequate funding necessary to achieve 1Adequate funding necessary to achieve 1--4 and to sustain the 4 and to sustain the

infrastructureinfrastructure6.6. Provide a means where a joint effort between the general Provide a means where a joint effort between the general

scientific community and the specific forensic science scientific community and the specific forensic science community can develop 1community can develop 1--33


�� The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress:Congress:�� The establishment of a mandate with the funding and The establishment of a mandate with the funding and

support for forensic science laboratory accreditation support for forensic science laboratory accreditation that must be achieved within a 3 year period of its that must be achieved within a 3 year period of its legislation passagelegislation passage

�� An effort be made to publicize the importance of An effort be made to publicize the importance of accreditation to forensic service providers to raise accreditation to forensic service providers to raise their level of understanding thereby facilitating their level of understanding thereby facilitating compliance compliance

�� The intent of this legislation would be its The intent of this legislation would be its adoption by every stateadoption by every state


�� The IAI endorses certification of forensic science The IAI endorses certification of forensic science practitioners along with annual proficiency testingpractitioners along with annual proficiency testing

�� The natural progression from the quality system The natural progression from the quality system (accreditation) is to the competency of the individual (accreditation) is to the competency of the individual (certification) addressing the entire system(certification) addressing the entire system�� IAI, ABC, ABFT, ABFDE, IAI, ABC, ABFT, ABFDE, ……....

�� While no program (certification or accreditation) can While no program (certification or accreditation) can guarantee quality, certification, at a minimum, attests guarantee quality, certification, at a minimum, attests that the individual has met a certain standard of that the individual has met a certain standard of competencecompetence

�� Regular proficiency testing is also desirable to assure Regular proficiency testing is also desirable to assure that competency is maintained that competency is maintained


�� The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress:Congress:�� The establishment of the requirements for forensic The establishment of the requirements for forensic

science practitioners to :science practitioners to :�� Obtain Certification from an independent, recognized Obtain Certification from an independent, recognized

certifying body for each forensic discipline being performed.certifying body for each forensic discipline being performed.

�� Successfully complete an annual proficiency test for each Successfully complete an annual proficiency test for each forensic discipline being performed by an examinerforensic discipline being performed by an examiner

�� An effort be made to publicize the importance of An effort be made to publicize the importance of certification to forensic service providers to raise their certification to forensic service providers to raise their level of understanding thereby facilitating compliance level of understanding thereby facilitating compliance


�� The IAI encourages colleges and universities to The IAI encourages colleges and universities to incorporate performance related courses incorporate performance related courses applying in forensic examinationsapplying in forensic examinations�� Current programs only provide theory and procedures Current programs only provide theory and procedures

but lack actual performance based instruction but lack actual performance based instruction resulting in training upon employmentresulting in training upon employment

�� Trained new hires having participated in performance Trained new hires having participated in performance based trainingbased training�� Significantly reduce training timeSignificantly reduce training time

�� Demonstrate aptitude for conducting these types of Demonstrate aptitude for conducting these types of examinationsexaminations


�� The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress the establishment of a forensic Congress the establishment of a forensic science business infrastructure to include science business infrastructure to include direction for modifying current university forensic direction for modifying current university forensic science programs to provide more performance science programs to provide more performance related courses in applying the respective related courses in applying the respective forensic science discipline, e.g., structured forensic science discipline, e.g., structured exercises involving large volumes of comparison exercises involving large volumes of comparison exercises for forensic impression evidence.exercises for forensic impression evidence.


�� AFIS AFIS –– Automated Fingerprint Identification Automated Fingerprint Identification System (as well as other automated System (as well as other automated databases used by the forensic community databases used by the forensic community for impression evidence)for impression evidence)�� Unlike CODIS or NIBIN, AFIS is decentralizedUnlike CODIS or NIBIN, AFIS is decentralized�� 100100’’s of systems currently in uses of systems currently in use�� Perceived philosophyPerceived philosophy

�� Enter OnceEnter Once�� Search ManySearch Many

�� Interoperability of systemsInteroperability of systems

Position Paper HighlightsPosition Paper Highlights�� IAI Position Statements in this areaIAI Position Statements in this area

�� Friction ridge skin identification are a reliable means to indivFriction ridge skin identification are a reliable means to individualizeidualize�� AFIS technology is an excellent and powerful tool that provides AFIS technology is an excellent and powerful tool that provides a a

candidate list from large populated databases from which to matccandidate list from large populated databases from which to match h latent and recorded printslatent and recorded prints

�� AFIS results do not provide sufficiently reliable results, thereAFIS results do not provide sufficiently reliable results, therefore the fore the process still requires a competent examinerprocess still requires a competent examiner

�� Latent and recorded print searches as well as other impression Latent and recorded print searches as well as other impression evidence should be exploited by improving and increasing the utievidence should be exploited by improving and increasing the utilization lization of automated technology via properly secured electronic of automated technology via properly secured electronic connectivity/networkingconnectivity/networking

�� CanCan’’t even get a directory of userst even get a directory of users�� National legislation is MANDATED to advance the use of National legislation is MANDATED to advance the use of

print/impression services via improved and increased automation print/impression services via improved and increased automation interoperability and broader connectivity, with standard securitinteroperability and broader connectivity, with standard security y measuresmeasures

�� National legislation must be adequately funded and supportedNational legislation must be adequately funded and supported


�� Standards to be interoperable and the Standards to be interoperable and the technology to be widely connected have technology to be widely connected have existed for at least a decadeexisted for at least a decade

�� To the contrary, the capability to search is To the contrary, the capability to search is quite limited and does not provide all the quite limited and does not provide all the potential that should be exploited for such potential that should be exploited for such a powerful tool in our arsenal to fight a powerful tool in our arsenal to fight crime, identify terrorists, and even crime, identify terrorists, and even potentially prevent acts of terrorismpotentially prevent acts of terrorism

Position Paper HighlightsPosition Paper Highlights�� Law enforcement managers seem reluctant to permit the Law enforcement managers seem reluctant to permit the

open connectivity without understanding the open connectivity without understanding the consequences, and rightly soconsequences, and rightly so�� MOUMOU’’ss

�� Connectivity/networking/interoperability inadequaciesConnectivity/networking/interoperability inadequacies�� States canStates can’’t search state to statet search state to state�� Nor can federal law enforcement search directly against a Nor can federal law enforcement search directly against a

certain statecertain state’’s filess files

�� All fingerprint records are not centrally locatedAll fingerprint records are not centrally located�� Many reasons whyMany reasons why�� Mobility of criminalsMobility of criminals

�� Address the need to maintain accuracyAddress the need to maintain accuracy�� Workload managementWorkload management�� Provide upProvide up--toto--date information for what each agency can date information for what each agency can

supportsupport


�� The IAI believes that the NAS recommend The IAI believes that the NAS recommend to Congress the necessity for national to Congress the necessity for national legislation to advance the use of latent and legislation to advance the use of latent and recorded print services, as well as other recorded print services, as well as other forms of impression evidence, via forms of impression evidence, via improved and increased automation improved and increased automation interoperability and broader connectivity.interoperability and broader connectivity.

�� National legislation must be adequately National legislation must be adequately funded and supportedfunded and supported

�� The establishment The establishment of a Governing of a Governing Body (NTBDL) by Body (NTBDL) by Congress to include Congress to include all forensic all forensic disciplines including disciplines including DNADNA**

*The statements expressed in this slide are solely those of the presenter and have neither been proposed nor endorsed by the IAI and should not be construed as such

�� A paradigm shift on both sides the A paradigm shift on both sides the ““us against us against themthem”” mentality needs to be abandonedmentality needs to be abandoned

�� Although an adversarial system exists within our Although an adversarial system exists within our judicial system and it is in most instances played judicial system and it is in most instances played out in the arena of forensic sciences, the out in the arena of forensic sciences, the sciences and the community would be better sciences and the community would be better served if we were to embrace and include all served if we were to embrace and include all those that are effected by our servicesthose that are effected by our services**


�� The Governing Board would be comprised of the following:The Governing Board would be comprised of the following:�� One member from each of the forensic disciplines:One member from each of the forensic disciplines:

�� Bloodstain Pattern IdentificationBloodstain Pattern Identification�� Crime Scene InvestigationCrime Scene Investigation�� DNADNA�� Latent Fingerprint IdentificationLatent Fingerprint Identification�� TenprintTenprint IdentificationIdentification�� Firearm and Firearm and ToolmarkToolmark IdentificationIdentification�� Footwear and Tire Track IdentificationFootwear and Tire Track Identification�� Forensic ArtForensic Art�� Forensic Laboratory AnalysisForensic Laboratory Analysis�� Forensic PodiatryForensic Podiatry�� Forensic Forensic OdontologyOdontology�� Forensic Pathology (NAME)Forensic Pathology (NAME)�� Forensic Photography and Electronic ImagingForensic Photography and Electronic Imaging�� Questioned DocumentsQuestioned Documents�� Forensic AnthropologyForensic Anthropology�� Digital EvidenceDigital Evidence

�� Said member shall in addition be the chairman of their respectivSaid member shall in addition be the chairman of their respective forensic e forensic subcommittee disciplinesubcommittee discipline

�� Said member shall be a subject matter expert (SME) and if at allSaid member shall be a subject matter expert (SME) and if at all possible a possible a current practitioner as wellcurrent practitioner as well

�� This is extremely important for the Governing BodyThis is extremely important for the Governing Body’’s effectiveness, efficiency, and its s effectiveness, efficiency, and its overall successoverall success**


�� One member from the following forensic stakeholders:One member from the following forensic stakeholders:�� NIST NIST -- National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNational Institute of Standards and Technology�� ASCLD ASCLD -- American Society of Crime Laboratory DirectorsAmerican Society of Crime Laboratory Directors�� FEPAC FEPAC -- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation

Commission Commission -- ACADEMIAACADEMIA�� FSAB FSAB -- Forensic Specialties Accreditation BoardForensic Specialties Accreditation Board�� OLETC OLETC -- Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization

–– National Laboratory affiliationNational Laboratory affiliation�� IAI IAI -- International Association for IdentificationInternational Association for Identification�� AAFS AAFS ––American Academy of Forensic ScienceAmerican Academy of Forensic Science�� Defense Bar RepresentativeDefense Bar Representative�� Prosecution/Federal/District/StateProsecution/Federal/District/State’’s Attorney Representative (e.g. s Attorney Representative (e.g.

DADA’’s Association)s Association)�� JudiciaryJudiciary�� Department of Energy Department of Energy -- National Laboratory System National Laboratory System �� NASA NASA –– National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationNational Aeronautics and Space Administration

�� All individual memberAll individual member’’s terms to include those of the forensic s terms to include those of the forensic disciplines should be no longer than 6 continuous years and disciplines should be no longer than 6 continuous years and should be implemented on a rolling basis (should be implemented on a rolling basis (⅓⅓ of the membership of the membership every two years) every two years) **


�� A second tier (descending order) consisting of A second tier (descending order) consisting of forensic disciplines forensic disciplines -- Subject Matter Experts Subject Matter Experts (SME) could be SWGS(SME) could be SWGS

�� Given direction and timeline by the Governing Given direction and timeline by the Governing BodyBody�� TasksTasks

�� SOPsSOPs�� Training and education requirementsTraining and education requirements�� Research topicsResearch topics

�� Work product brought back to Governing Body for Work product brought back to Governing Body for review and comment review and comment **


�� AdvantagesAdvantages�� BUDGET BUDGET –– One appropriation to be divided as requested in budget proposalOne appropriation to be divided as requested in budget proposal

�� No fighting amongst disciplines for $$$$$No fighting amongst disciplines for $$$$$�� Appropriations to be determined by Governing Body upon submissioAppropriations to be determined by Governing Body upon submission of requests by each forensic n of requests by each forensic

disciplinediscipline�� A unified mission statement to be adopted by the Governing BodyA unified mission statement to be adopted by the Governing Body

�� For the first time forensic science would have a unified missionFor the first time forensic science would have a unified mission statementstatement

�� Common goals would be established and fostered amongst all the fCommon goals would be established and fostered amongst all the forensic disciplinesorensic disciplines�� Specific objectives would be set for each of the specific discipSpecific objectives would be set for each of the specific discipline in achieving the goals thereby line in achieving the goals thereby

fulfilling the missionfulfilling the mission�� Addressing Common IssuesAddressing Common Issues

�� In all of the forensic disciplines there are common issues that In all of the forensic disciplines there are common issues that would be better served collectivelywould be better served collectively�� Currently this is not addressed even amongst the Currently this is not addressed even amongst the SWGsSWGs with the possibility of inconsistent messages resultingwith the possibility of inconsistent messages resulting

�� The Governing Body when appropriate could form special committeeThe Governing Body when appropriate could form special committees and draw on all of its members s and draw on all of its members to address these issuesto address these issues

�� Direction and Control over ALL forensic subcommitteesDirection and Control over ALL forensic subcommittees�� Perceived ineffectiveness could be minimized if not eliminated bPerceived ineffectiveness could be minimized if not eliminated by the Governing Bodyy the Governing Body’’s direction in s direction in

matters perceived relevant to its mission along with the implemematters perceived relevant to its mission along with the implementation of a timelinentation of a timeline�� The Governing Body would receive, consider, and approve the The Governing Body would receive, consider, and approve the issue(s)/project(sissue(s)/project(s) to be ) to be

considered by forensic discipline committees, the duration of suconsidered by forensic discipline committees, the duration of such ch task(stask(s), resources to be ), resources to be expended, and the approval of the necessary funding to complete expended, and the approval of the necessary funding to complete the projectthe project

�� Coordinating, facilitating, and determining how best approach toCoordinating, facilitating, and determining how best approach to approach research both approach research both discipline specific and common to the disciplines thereby elimindiscipline specific and common to the disciplines thereby eliminating duplication and insuring ating duplication and insuring the most efficient and effective use of limited of moniesthe most efficient and effective use of limited of monies

�� FEPAC FEPAC -- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation CommissionForensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission

�� FSAB FSAB -- Forensic Specialties Accreditation BoardForensic Specialties Accreditation Board**


On behalf of the IAI, I On behalf of the IAI, I would like to take this to would like to take this to thank the NAS Committee thank the NAS Committee on Identifying the Needs on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science of the Forensic Science Community for affording Community for affording me the opportunity to me the opportunity to appear before you.appear before you.