The Solution to the Issue of Pseudo-Experts

One step required to prevent fraud within forensic science professionals is to develop and train the officers on the importance of integrity and transparency within the profession. Like any profession, forensic science has a professional code of conduct that guides the behaviors and actions of the individuals. Creating a culture of integrity and transparency within the agency can help forensic professionals avoid fraud in their profession. This move can entail taking forensic professionals to integrity training so that they can understand the importance of being transparent. The training can also make the professionals understand the costs of presenting false information for prosecution. Forensic fraud can result in the “conviction of innocents, destroys careers, and create s immense financial liability for law enforcement agencies” ( Turvey, 2013 ). By understanding these impacts, forensic officers are more likely to act with integrity and honesty. The solution to the issue of pseudo-experts requires the implementation of strict recruitment procedures and continuous revenue of the performance record as well as integrity. There should be a strict recruitment procedure where the educational background, training, and qualifications are all scrutinized with an independent recruitment agency to ensure that all those hired are qualified for the job. Continuous analysis and review of the competence and performance levels of the forensic professionals are necessary to ensure professionalism. The strict recruitment procedures would ensure that only qualified candidates are employed. On the other hand, a review of the performance and integrity would ensure that any professional found to be incompetent or engaging in any fraud gets fired and legal action taken against them. Constant monitoring and scrutiny of the findings of the forensic investigation results by independent individuals need priority. In most cases, courts rely on the findings of the forensic investigation as evidence to make convictions. When people compromise such findings, the action can lead to wrongful conviction and denial of justice. As a result, courts should verify the findings of the forensic professionals by using an independent auditor who can verify the validity of such findings. Auditing the results of the forensic investigation would ensure that any deception or fraud conducted by the forensic professionals are detected, and take an appropriate action. This monitoring would ensure that the forensic professionals are sacred from engaging in any malpractice due to high chance of detection. Preventing fraud amongst forensic professionals can also be prevented by demanding that they provide documentation and objective evidence of their test findings. Creating physical and documentary standards would ensure reliable data comparison as a way of enhancing transparency ( Butler, 2015 ). The provision of documentation and evidence of the findings, including videos, can act as a way to promote transparency, Rather than relying on the written report by the forensic professionals, the courts should seek for objective materials of the evidence of the findings. It requires that the court closely works with forensic professionals during their investigations. It can require the court to have a representative to foresee the whole process of forensic investigation as a way to enhance integrity. 

Even though the change in the forensic agency should be majorly their responsibility, everyone else should also be responsible for the change. The forensic experts are trusted to offer genuine findings from their investigations. However, integrity issues can result in serious costs that can affect everyone. As a result, it should be the responsibility of everyone to advocate for change to restore integrity within the agency. The public should act as whistleblowers, reporting any case of fraud conducted by these professionals. The move will create a check from both within and outside and will compel them to act with integrity. 

References 

Butler, J. M. (2015). US initiatives to strengthen forensic science & international standards in forensic DNA.  Forensic Science International: Genetics ,  18 , 4-20. 

Turvey, B. E. (2013).  Forensic fraud: Evaluating law enforcement and forensic science cultures in the context of examiner misconduct . Academic Press.