Forensic Sciences

Forensic sciences provide crucial evidence for investigations and court proceedings. Accreditation ensures that analyses, evidence gathering and expert reports are carried out in accordance with recognised standards – creating trust, transparency and a reliable foundation for fair decisions in the justice system and for society as a whole.

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Overview

The forensic sciences scope encompasses forensics, forensic investigation and forensic medicine. Forensic science makes traces visible, provides scientifically grounded findings on sequences of events and supports public authorities in establishing the truth and reaching fair decisions. To this end, forensic services, forensic medicine, prosecuting authorities and other agencies work in close collaboration.

Forensic investigation secures traces at crime scenes, analyses fingerprints, impression marks and firearms, carries out biometric comparisons of appearance, handwriting and voice, and establishes the causes of accidents or fires. Specialist units secure and examine narcotics, explosives and digital data.

Forensic medicine institutes determine the cause, manner and time of death. They examine living persons, document injuries and secure evidence in cases of violent and sexual offences. DNA analysis is used to identify individuals in criminal cases or disaster scenarios, or to establish parentage. Toxicological analysis of drugs, alcohol and medication is used to assess road traffic offences and other criminal matters.

Forensic sciences thus provide evidence for investigations and for criminal, administrative and civil proceedings.

Role of accreditation

Accreditation is central to forensic science. Accredited laboratories and inspection bodies ensure that analytical procedures, crime scene examinations and examinations of both deceased and living persons are conducted in accordance with recognised standards, giving public authorities confidence in the expert reports produced.

Accreditation ensures the quality, transparency and comparability of forensic work. Examination results frequently serve as the basis for court decisions and, by virtue of accreditation, are scientifically sound and traceable. Objective, transparent and trustworthy expert reports from accredited institutions support the presentation of evidence and provide the foundation for fair decisions.

Importance for the public, businesses and public authorities

Competent evidence-gathering and standardised analysis support investigations. Public authorities have access to reliable, scientifically sound and traceable findings on which to base their decisions. Expert reports from accredited institutions strengthen the evidential weight of findings in criminal, administrative and civil proceedings. Objective, independent and quality-assured expert reports provide a robust basis for fair judgements.

The public can be confident that forensic findings are grounded in science, not arbitrary judgment. Reliable forensic evidence supports prevention, law enforcement and disaster management.

Types of accreditation offered