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Learning Objectives
After completing Report Writing and Supporting Documentation the user should:
- Know that laws differ according to jurisdictions.
- Recognize the importance of checking with attorneys on appropriate legal issues in applicable jurisdictions.
- Know how to prepare reports, pretrial training documents, and testimony in layman's language to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding.
- Determine what is required in the case file by consulting quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) standards of various accrediting bodies.
- Ensure that all supporting documentation is maintained in the case file.
- Know the laboratory's policy for disposition of evidence.
- Recognize that the scientist is responsible for documenting work done to prepare samples for outside testing.
- Examine notification requirements regarding sample consumption, retention and disposition.
- Ensure the specifics of all relevant testing dates.
- Realize the importance of studying any applicable standards of performance from the:
- Confirm that all conclusions are included in the report.
- Adhere to laboratory policy on appropriate language for report writing.
- Perform a technical and administrative review of the report (QA/QC).
- Confirm that the proffering attorney has correct and complete report(s).
- Comprehend the ethical responsibility of the forensic scientist according to:
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) — AAFS Code of Ethics,
- American Society for Crime Laboratory Directors — ASCLD Guiding Principles
- International Association for Identification (IAI) — IAI Standards of Ethical Conduct
- American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) — ABC's Rules of Professional Conduct
- Other professional association ethics codes
- Recognize the importance of checking with attorneys on appropriate legal issues in applicable jurisdictions.
Results of laboratory analyses are usually preserved in analytical reports written by the forensic expert once all tests are completed. The reports are then submitted to the requesting agency or attorney. Copies of these reports may be made available to opposing counsel, investigators and others involved in the case.
Additional Online Courses
- What Every First Responding Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence
- Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes
- DNA – A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook
- Crime Scene and DNA Basics
- Laboratory Safety Programs
- DNA Amplification
- Population Genetics and Statistics
- Non-STR DNA Markers: SNPs, Y-STRs, LCN and mtDNA
- Firearms Examiner Training
- Forensic DNA Education for Law Enforcement Decisionmakers
- What Every Investigator and Evidence Technician Should Know About DNA Evidence
- Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court
- Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert
- Laboratory Orientation and Testing of Body Fluids and Tissues
- DNA Extraction and Quantitation
- STR Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Communication Skills, Report Writing, and Courtroom Testimony
- Español for Law Enforcement
- Amplified DNA Product Separation for Forensic Analysts