- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 5 :: Assuring Quality
Topic 2 :: Best Practice Standards in the Forensic DNA Laboratory
Accreditation and Certification
Accreditation is the formal assessment and recognition by an impartial competent authority that a laboratory is capable of meeting and maintaining defined standards of performance, competence and professionalism. It is a powerful tool to ensure compliance with standards, and was recognized as such in the original DAB report.
Certification is the process by which an organization evaluates the qualifications of an individual to perform a specific task or function. Certification of persons indicates that an individual possesses specific knowledge, skills or abilities in the view of the certifying body.
Although accreditation and certification are powerful tools for quality assurance, neither is currently a prerequisite for admissibility. ( State v. Adams 984 P.2d 16 (Ariz. 1999); Smith v. State 702 N.E.2d 668 (Ind. 1998); State v. Ramsey 550 S.E.2d 294 (S.C. 2001); J.H.H. v. State Ala.Ct.App., CR-02-1752, 2004 (1/30/04) Ala.Crim.App. LEXIS 22.) 1
