Laboratory Accreditation/ Physical Evidence

A formal way of saying that this lab meets the standards set by this outside agency and complies with their requirements

This shows that although there are diff protocols and instruments, they are all held to the same level of standard accreditation Uses these criteria to assess the quality of the FSSP’s management system by examining, among other things, staff competence, training, and continuing education, etc… (Needed to show it is repeatable and reliable so that it can be used on case work)

typically high use equipment that must be calibrated and maintained once a year to make sure it is within a certain range. Everything about it must be documented, especially when something goes wrong.

tracking of a piece of evidence from the time it is retained to the time it appears in court

This is a test provided by an outside source with the goal to make sure people are following and getting the correct results from the test Used to make sure you are in compliance with the results usually questioned about whether they pass proficiency test

Forensic Science Service Provider

Written reports testimony monitoring

Required for the results of all examinations performed Should include report format, signature authority, content, etc. Usually gives statement saying that these results are based on the evidence given at the time and there is always a possibility that results could change when more evidence comes out Different thing with private labs, do not have to produce

Assess testimony given in support of examinations and how that assessment is documented Someone has to monitor testimony once a year and this is reviewed by auditors

Done first • done by a second scientist who has no idea what they are looking at so that there is no bias • also includes making sure all worksheets used are filled out properly (single cross out, signature, dated)

Checks for any typos admin review done by anyone at the lab to make sure it’s buttoned properly and looks good, but is not checking actual science

Written procedure should require contemporaneous notes that provide sufficient info to demonstrate what was done, when, and by whom

Should include: case approach, sampling, sample preparation, methodology, quality control, instrument parameters, data interpretation Information regarding instrument and equipment maintenance and quality control reagents

• Training manual should include the goals and objectives, material covered, mechanism(s) for assessment, and how the training is documented • Prior to handling evidence indep., a competency test should be used as a mechanism of assessment • Prior to handling evidence indep., a competency test should be used as a mechanism of assessment • Prior to offering testimony, legal, etc. • Should include ethics

common sense

Correct action report used in order to recognize existing and potential nonconforming work helps with standardization and pushes quality improvement