Journal:Digital transformation risk management in forensic science laboratories
| Full article title | Digital transformation risk management in forensic science laboratories |
|---|---|
| Journal | Forensic Science International |
| Author(s) | Casey, Eoghan; Souvignet, Thomas R. |
| Author affiliation(s) | University of Lausanne |
| Primary contact | Email: thomas dot souvignet at unil dot ch |
| Year published | 2020 |
| Volume and issue | 316 |
| Article # | 110486 |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110486 |
| ISSN | 0379-0738 |
| Distribution license | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International |
| Website | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073820303480 |
| Download | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073820303480/pdfft (PDF) |
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This article should be considered a work in progress and incomplete. Consider this article incomplete until this notice is removed. |
Abstract
Technological advances are changing how forensic laboratories operate in all forensic disciplines, not only digital. Computers support workflow management and enable evidence analysis (physical and digital), while new technology enables previously unavailable forensic capabilities. Used properly, the integration of digital systems supports greater efficiency and reproducibility, and drives digital transformation of forensic laboratories. However, without the necessary preparations, these digital transformations can undermine the core principles and processes of forensic laboratories. Forensic preparedness concentrating on digital data reduces the cost and operational disruption of responding to various kinds of problems, including misplaced exhibits, allegations of employee misconduct, disclosure requirements, and information security breaches.
This work gives pertinent examples of problems and risks involving technology that have occurred in forensic laboratories, along with opportunities and risk mitigation strategies, based on the authors’ experiences. It also presents recommendations to help forensic laboratories prepare for and manage these risks, to use technology effectively, and ultimately strengthen forensic science. The importance of involving digital forensic expertise in risk management of digital transformations in laboratories is emphasized. Forensic laboratories that do not adopt forensic digital preparedness will produce results based on digital data and processes that cannot be verified independently, leaving them vulnerable to challenge. The recommendations in this work could enhance international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, which are used to assess and accredit laboratories.
Keywords: forensic science, digital transformations, forensic laboratories, forensic preparedness, forensic digital preparedness, risk management, ISO/IEC 17025
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This presentation is faithful to the original, with only a few minor changes to presentation. In some cases important information was missing from the references, and that information was added.
