Forensics Standardization

Here's is the introduction to very interesting article on the state of forensics and how the field needs to be changed for the future(link to the full article in title):

Professor of Medical Science Constantine Gatsonis co-chaired a committee appointed by the National Academy of Sciences in 2007, and presented a report, entitled "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward," to Congress last month. Congress mandated the study after receiving several complaints from individuals in the forensic science community about discrepancies in techniques and procedures, Gatsonis said. Over the course of eight meetings, the committee examined documents, procedures and educational programs across the country. It also received presentations from chiefs of laboratories, coroners, medical examiners and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The report made 13 recommendations to improve forensic science, the most important being the establishment of a national institute for the discipline, according to Gatsonis.