Using Risk Management to Optimize Forensic Laboratory Operations

The use of risk management has been historically absent from the management of forensic science laboratories. While ISO 31000 (Risk Management Principles and Guidelines) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) emphasized risk management, it was not until ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 highlighted its importance that forensic science managers began to take note. Even since its inclusion in ISO/IEC 17025, there remains a misunderstanding on what risk management is and how it can be used to improve laboratory operations. The webinar will demonstrate how incorporating a risk management program into a forensic laboratory’s management system assists in optimizing operations and continual improvement.

This webinar was hosted by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on June 30, 2022.