Laboratory Accreditation/ Physical Evidence Flashcards
what is an accreditation?
A formal way of saying that this lab meets the standards set by this outside agency and complies with their requirements
what is the point of accreditation?
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)
What is critical equipment
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.
Chain of custody
tracking of a piece of evidence from the time it is retained to the time it appears in court
Proficiency test
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
FSSP
Forensic Science Service Provider
What are the critical steps to accreditation?
Written reports
testimony monitoring
written reports
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
testimony monitoring
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
Technical review
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)
administrative review
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
note taking
Written procedure should require contemporaneous notes that provide sufficient info to demonstrate what was done, when, and by whom
technical procedures
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 program
- 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
Proficiency testing
common sense
