NFI and NRGD Consolidate Examinations
NFI-experts in the fields of DNA analysis and Forensic Pathology are now required to undertake only a single examination for their initial accreditation as forensic experts. This development follows the decision by the Board of the Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD) to recognise the training and examination procedures conducted by the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). Consequently, these experts are no longer subject to additional assessments by the NRGD. Upon successful completion of the NFI examination, they will be directly registered in the NRGD's expert register without the need for a second substantive assessment. The NRGD also intends to acknowledge NFI's recertification processes in the future.
Diligent Process
The formal recognition of examinations in DNA analysis and Forensic Pathology marks the culmination of an extensive collaborative process between the NRGD and NFI. This partnership was approached with considerable caution. Prior to granting recognition, a visitation committee representing the NRGD evaluated various training and assessment documents, observed examinations, and conducted interviews with experts, trainees, managers, and NFI-appointed examiners. This thorough process has resulted in a two-year recognition. After this period, a 'maintenance review' will be conducted, upon which the organisations will decide whether to extend the unified examination process for an additional five years.
Culmination
Henk van den Heuvel, Chairman of the NRGD, stated: "For the NRGD, the formal recognition of the NFI's training programme and examination for DNA analysis and Forensic Pathology represents the culmination of a long-standing process. The expert register was originally established as a safeguard for forensic quality within the criminal justice system, which remains our core mission. Over the years, our organisation's involvement in quality assurance and enhancement has progressively expanded. Ultimately, the responsibility for quality rests with the criminal justice system itself. Taking this next step, where the NFI assumes responsibility for the initial registration examination, is fundamentally significant in this context."
Annemieke de Vries, Director of Science and Technology at the NFI, added: "Combining examinations is both practical and efficient. This agreement saves our personnel time and eliminates the redundancy of undergoing similar assessments twice. The time saved can be redirected towards enhancing safety in the Netherlands. We perceive this as a substantial endorsement of our training policies and consider it an important step in our ongoing collaboration with the NRGD."
Recertification
The NFI examination committee includes an NRGD-appointed member with veto power, reflecting the mutual trust between the organisations in each other's quality and expertise. By incorporating such a member, the NFI demonstrates its openness to NRGD's input. In the long term, the aim is to unify the periodic reassessment that each registered expert undergoes to maintain accreditation. The next step involves the formal recognition of the NFI's training and examination procedures for other areas of expertise, such as forensic medicine and narcotics which will be certified from 2025. Subsequently, attention will be directed towards toxicology, digital forensic investigation (DFI), gunshot residues, and weapons and ammunition. Ultimately, the goal is to establish unified examinations for all NFI areas of expertise registered with the NRGD.