ISO Guideline for forensic research laboratories: 'Truth-finding is not merely offering an opinion'
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has introduced a global standard for forensic research laboratories. Fifteen countries collaborated on this new ISO guideline, with contributions from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), the police, the Public Prosecution Service (OM), and the Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD).
Principal Scientist Didier Meuwly of the NFI, who co-developed the standard with colleague Principal Scientist Charles Berger, emphasised the necessity of international quality standards in forensic research. He stated, "Everyone understands that international quality standards are essential for building an aircraft. The same applies to forensic research. Incomplete forensic investigations or incorrect interpretations of observations can lead to erroneous conclusions in the courtroom, allowing the guilty to remain free and the innocent to be imprisoned."
Berger highlighted the importance of the new standard, explaining that it prescribes how the evidential value of observations should be reported. He noted, "You reason backward, from an observation to two or more hypotheses. What is the probability of making this observation for each of the hypotheses?" He further clarified that forensic science involves asking questions and applying scientific methods to help answer them. "Truth-finding is not merely offering an opinion. Conclusions must be traceable and verifiable. Unique to forensic science is the interpretation of the observations you make."
The collaboration with the OM, NRGD, and the police was instrumental in developing the standard. Berger praised this partnership, stating, "We continuously coordinated among ourselves. The collaboration was pleasant, and we quickly reached consensus on many issues." The NRGD served as the technical chair of two committees during the preparatory phase of the standardisation process. Berger concluded, "After hard work and extensive discussions, we ultimately succeeded in drafting a text that everyone could agree upon."