Evaluating Forensic Science

Audio

02/27/2009

Feb. 27, 2009

Evaluating Forensic Science

Click

to enlarge images

This month, the National Academy of Sciences published a report that found "serious deficiencies" in the nation's forensic science system. The report, which was mandated by Congress, found fault with the training and certification programs for forensic scientists working in crime labs around the country. The report also said that solid, peer-reviewed, published studies backing many of the techniques and tools commonly used in forensic science were lacking. The authors of the report called for the creation of an independent government agency to research and certify forensic techniques. So is CSI all washed up? We'll talk about it in this segment.

Produced by Annette Heist, Senior Producer

Guests

Barry A.J. Fisher
Crime Laboratory Director

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

Los Angeles, California
Constantine Gatsonis
Co-Chair, Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science Community, National Academy of Sciences

Professor of Biostatistics and Director, Center for Statistical Sciences

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Discussion

WAYS TO LISTEN

BLOG

ABOUT

Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.