Strengthening the forensic sciences

In response to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,1 the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) coordinated the establishment of the Subcommittee on Forensic Science (SoFS). It was chartered in July, 2009, and completed its work on December 31, 2012. For 3 years, the SoFS membership actively pursued the investigation and analysis of critical issues that can inform a coordinated and meaningful response to the NAS report. Their detailed and comprehensive exploration has broadened the breadth of foundational knowledge and situational awareness, thereby informing a meaningful framework for analysis. This report details some of their findings and work products that can inform collaborative dialogue on matters that will serve to enhance forensic science policy, research, and practice. Through its analysis, the SoFS recognized that many of the issues under consideration cross-cut multiple recommendations of the NAS report. Accordingly, in many cases, their work products relate to one or more NAS report recommendations. It should be noted that the Administration is extremely active in pursuing all issues that impact forensic science and this report does not represent all work currently being pursued to improve and maximize the value of forensic science in the United States.