COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) applauds the Department of Justice and the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST) for the establishment of the National Commission on Forensic Science as a part of a new initiative to strengthen and enhance the practice of forensic science. The proposed Commission will provide a framework for coordinating efforts of the many organizations with a stake in the development and enhancement of forensic science technologies and policy in the United States.
"We are excited with the creation of a group that will bring our membership and its expertise together with policymakers, educators, researchers, attorneys and judges, and provide forensic science the kind of Federal support enjoyed by other fields such as engineering and medicine," said Barry K. Logan, PhD, DABFT, president-elect of AAFS.
AAFS is dedicated to strengthening forensic sciences through training, collaboration and furthering forensic science reliability, which is an essential tool in the administration of justice. Forensic scientists are committed to the continuing development of valid methodologies and reporting techniques that strengthen all aspects of our justice system. By using the best scientific instrumentation, methods and importantly, scientific thought processes at their disposal, forensic scientists will continue to provide valuable information based on valid methodologies for presentation in both criminal and civil cases.
AAFS supports the further development of uniform codes for professional responsibility and requirements for training and certification, which will advance and fortify the field of forensic science. "AAFS has led the way with forensic science research and education for many years with its annual meeting and sponsorship of certifying and accrediting bodies," Logan added.
The AAFS is the nation's premier forensic science organization with more than 7000 members working in eleven different disciplines from pathology/biology to odontology, and toxicology.
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a multi-disciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promoteintegrity, competency,education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences.Organized in 1948, AAFS serves a distinguished and diverse membership of 6,000 forensic science professionals who are the focal point for public information when forensic science issues are addressed in the public domain. AAFS publishes the internationally recognized Journal of Forensic Sciences. For more information visit www.aafs.org.
SOURCE American Academy of Forensic Sciences
