National Commission on Forensic Science

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences wholeheartedly commends its membership who provided expertise, wisdom, and guidance to the National Commission on Forensic Science (NCFS) since its 2013 origin. There are 14 Commission Members, 3 Ex-Officio Members, and numerous sub-committee members who are also members of the Academy and the work of the NCFS has been highlighted during our annual meetings. We had hoped the Department of Justice would support the renewal of the NCFS Charter to continue the review of important issues and movement of recommendations to the Attorney General for consideration. The Academy will continue its work through the AAFS Standards Board with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Organization of Scientific Area Committees and others to promote standards for the forensic science community. The Academy remains committed to working with any agency to strengthen forensic science and to improve access to forensic science services.

The Academy benefits from the diversity of our membership:  diversity in disciplines, diversity in educational backgrounds, and diversity of our careers. Forensic science also benefits from the diversity of the broader scientific community. The NCFS was a forum for individuals from the broader scientific community to discuss policy issues facing forensic science with practitioners from the state and federal jurisdictions.  The forensic science community welcomed the transparency and independence promoted by NCFS in discussions; hopefully, they will be replicated in any future efforts concerning forensic science services.