NCJ Number
189029
Date Published
Annotation
This report describes the activities of an effort to develop an accreditation program for forensic specialty programs.
Abstract
The objectives of the program were to develop minimum standards
for credentialing boards; to develop a program for certifying
credentialing boards; and to establish an accrediting board to be
independent of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The
original objectives stated in the NIJ grant application have been
met. During the period of the grant, the Accreditation and
Certification Task Force of the American Academy of Forensic
Sciences (AAFS) has met several times to develop proposed
accreditation standards and bylaws for an accreditation board. As
a result of these efforts and continued dialog with the various
forensic specialty credentialing boards, Forensic Specialties
Accreditation Board (FSAB) was legally incorporated on June 16,
2000. Having established the FSAB as a legal entity, a way of
involving "qualified" forensic credentialing boards in the final
development and implementation of an accreditation program had to
be devised. The concept of "initial nominating organizations"
(INO) was developed. The "INO's" would be forensic credentialing
boards with already incorporated minimum components. Applications
were solicited from existing forensic credentialing boards that
met the requirements of the proposed FSAB bylaws. Nine
organizations were elected to have representation on the FSAB.
They represent the majority of the recognized boards that offer
forensic specialty certification in North America. Implementation
of the FSAB accreditation program depends on final development of
the operating process and standards interpretation. The FSAB
bylaws and standards for accrediting Forensic Specialty
Certification Boards are provided.
Date Created: December 7, 2003