Identifying the critical skillset of top crime scene examiners: Why this matters and why agencies should develop top performers

Abstract

Processing a crime scene is complex. When scenes are processed well, higher quality specimens can be detected and collected. Inadequately managed scenes increase risk of ineffective investigations and poorer justice outcomes. Government reports from around the world have stated that some crime scene examiners outperform their peers. If processing a crime scene is vital for optimal outcomes, then who should we employ, and train, for this complex and challenging role? What skills do they need? In 2010, the seminal work into the technical and non‐technical skills of top crime scene examiners commenced in Australia. This team used empirical techniques from occupational psychology and business management to identify a cluster of 7 key cognitive, social, leadership skills, and technical/scientific knowledge to develop a profile of top crime scene performers. This work was published in a series of papers between 2012 and 2017. In 2023, the original work was combined with current international empirical findings to build a robust, comprehensive, and more generalizable picture of the holistic skillset of top crime scene examiners. The rationale for developing a skillset is to assist forensic agencies to create targeted recruitment procedures and inform the content of early career training programs for their crime scene teams. With recruitment and training done well, organizations are better placed to attract, develop, and retain personnel with potential to excel in complex roles. When top examiners attend scenes, it is possible the risk of poorer justice outcomes arising from crime scene work could be reduced.This article is categorized under: Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence

Quality management and competencies in forensic science

“…The principles in the Sydney Declaration also imply similar competencies. In a recent paper, Kelty et al (2023) identified the critical skillset of top crime scene examiners, including required cognitive abilities. Notwithstanding the fact that their paper focused on only one (although critical) part of the forensic science process, it is interesting to note that their identified required cognitive abilities broadly correspond to the competencies listed above.…”

“…In-house training can augment this. Although their discussion focused on crime scene examiners, Kelty et al (2023) concur with the concept of identifying a skillset that can assist employers to create targeted recruitment procedures and inform the content of early career training programs.…”

“…Where there is this awareness, employers should use this to inform tertiary learning institutions of the needs of the forensic science community with respect to cognitive competencies and attributes. As quoted by Kelty et al (2023), "With recruitment and training done well, organizations are better placed to attract, develop, and retain personnel with potential to excel in complex roles." We argue that this will require an effective working relationship between employer and tertiary institution(s) which can realize many other benefits (e.g., targeted research and development).…”

The Use of Databases in the Analysis of the Scene of Crime

“…Inconsistency between scientific developments and the available skills of law enforcement officers in working with traces and databases. It is noted that the imperfect analytical methods lead to a decreased probability of collecting quality samples for further examinations and databases, as well as a decreased quality of expert opinions (Kelty et al, 2023). Accordingly, law enforcement officers lack the knowledge and skills to create and update databases (Jha et al, 2019).…”

“…At the same time, it is important to comply with the procedure of recording both the course of the inspection and the results obtained (Korzh, 2018;Khairul et al, 2021). In general, a poor inspection of the scene is the main reason for wrongful conviction and punishment (Kelty et al, 2023). These standards of fair proceedings also apply to international justice (Zarmsky, 2021).…”