Numerous forensic science professional associations exist that cover the breath of forensic science disciplines. As promoters of research, best practices, and sound scientific applications, forensic science professional organizations are intrinsic to the mission of OSAC and can provide the subject matter expertise for quality standards development. These associations can also provide training opportunities for their members that can incorporate standards on the OSAC Registry into curriculum, including focused training on the implementation of those standards.
Seven forensic science professional associations, all represented on OSAC’s Forensic Science Standards Board, have issued public statements of support for OSAC and standards implementation:
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a multidisciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. AAFS founded the AAFS Standards Board (ASB), the first ANSI-accredited standards developing organization (SDO) dedicated to the forensic sciences. As noted in a statement from the AAFS Board of Directors, AAFS supports the work of OSAC as it plays a critical role in ASB's and other SDO's standards development efforts.
- American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. ASCLD supports policies that support the ongoing development of standards with significant forensic practitioner involvement and leadership. In its 2020-2021 National Outreach Priorities & Agenda, ASCLD noted its support of OSAC and encourages forensic science service providers to evaluate and implement the standards on the Registry whenever possible.
- Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is the international professional organization for practitioners of firearms and/or toolmark identification and has been dedicated to the exchange of information, methods and best practices, and the furtherance of research since its creation in 1969. The AFTE Board of Directors supports the OSAC mission and encourages its members to stay informed and engaged in OSAC activities.
- Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) is a professional organization whose mission is to promote standardized practices and professionalism in quality assurance management for the forensic science community. As an organization based in quality, AFQAM encourages forensic science service providers to evaluate and implement the standards on the OSAC Registry whenever possible, as reflected in its position statement.
- International Association for Identification (IAI) is the oldest and largest forensic association in the world. It represents a diverse, knowledgeable and experienced membership to educate, share, critique and publish methods, techniques and research in the physical forensic science disciplines. IAI encourages its members to become involved in standards development and supports OSAC and the implementation of standards on the OSAC Registry.
- National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) is a professional organization for medical examiners, forensic pathologists and medicolegal affiliates and administrators. NAME endorses the development and adoption of strong standards for excellent practice in all areas of forensic science as noted in its policy statement.
- Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) is an organization composed of practicing forensic toxicologists and those interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic toxicology. The SOFT Board of Directors has written a statement of support for the OSAC Registry and encourages forensic toxicology laboratories to evaluate and implement the standards whenever possible.
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