Professionalization and Crime Scene Examination

In this paper we critically examine the current status of the crime scene examiner within the broader context of forensic science as a profession. Crime scene examination is often not included in reports dealing with forensic science such as the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, and this has implications for the professional status of crime scene examiners. We propose that crime scene examination is an integral part of forensic science and that crime scene examination is part of the forensic science profession. However, the lack of professional structures and some key elements of a “profession” work against general acceptance by the relevant community. We argue that in order for crime scene examination as a discipline to achieve this level of recognition and acceptance, it will need to address issues of entry qualification, training, regulation, and develop a research culture to improve its knowledge base.