Implementation Success Stories

Houston Forensic Science Center, Jackie Moral, Quality Director: 

The implementation of OSAC Registry standards has benefited HFSC by standardizing our technical procedures with best practices in the forensic science field. We have discovered gaps or blind spots in our training programs and technical processes through the implementation of these standards, which otherwise would not have been identified. Following these best practices has enhanced our analyst’s credibility when testifying in court."

Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory, Heather Greco, Quality Manager:

Implementing OSAC Registry standards has provided us with a tool to evaluate and improve standardization across all disciplines, which in turn enhances the quality and reliability of the forensic services we provide to our customers. OSAC implementation has also allowed us to communicate to stakeholders that the laboratory recognizes the value of standards and guideline implementation. Overall, embracing OSAC standards has supported the laboratory’s commitment to providing an impartial, defect-free service to all customers." 

Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Karley Hujet, Latent Prints/Footwear Technical Unit Leader: 

Experiencing OSAC implementation success, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories Latent Prints/Footwear Unit (LP/FW) credits 2023 full implementation of ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 144 (BPR for the Verification Component in Friction Ridge Examination) for providing an additional quality assurance mechanism in situations where there is a greater risk of error as per 4.3.3 of the BPR. Specifically, an additional verification is now required for single identifications to an individual that is the result of an MBIS search if that individual was not previously associated with the case. Additionally, the ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendations 021, 049, 052, & 126 (various Footwear BPRs) were fully implemented in 2021, 2022, and 2023. These best practice documents provided additional support and background information to WSCL LP/FW procedures for FW impression evidence detection and collection, FW impressions lifting and casting, and test impressions preparation."

Also from Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, Sandra Koresch, former Controlled Substances Technical Leader, current Deputy Quality Assurance Director:

Even as we implemented standards that we were already complying to, going through the standards as a group led to good discussion about how we met them and why. It also allowed us opportunity to discuss areas that could be improved."

Danish National ID Centre:

The Danish National ID Centre has achieved a significant milestone in the field of forensic science, earning recognition from the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science. This acknowledgement comes as a result of the center’s commitment to embracing facial identification standards, marking a crucial development in their standard operating procedure.

The implementation of facial identification standards has played a pivotal role in refining the accuracy and quality of the center’s forensic procedures. This precision has become a hallmark of their practices, where the standards have successfully been operationalized directly into the standard operating procedures through the development of checklists and documented records of observation.

Embracing facial identification standards has significantly elevated the Danish National ID Centre's forensic science practices, ensuring transparency and uniformity in casework. This dedication to precision and quality led to recognition by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science, underscoring the center’s commitment to excellence and reinforcing their reputation for reliable facial comparison methodologies."