The importance of ethics and standards
#31
October 14, 2022
How many of you are in Dallas for NAME!? Conferences like the NAME (National Association of Medical Examiners), AAFS (American Academy of Forensic Sciences), and IACME (International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners) are excellent opportunities to network with folks just like yourself from around the world! These conferences are also a chance to listen to presentations or view posters presenting new research, methods, and ideas in the field. These are just three of the largest US-based organizations who run annual conferences for medicolegal professionals. There are many other small, local forensic-based conferences all over the country and now, also via webinar and zoom rooms. For example – type in your region or state and “homicide investigators association,” and see how many local conferences pop up!
The ABFA (American Board of Forensic Anthropologists) and ABMDI (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators) are two examples of certification boards who perform standardized testing that encourages professional qualifications for subject matter experts. Becoming formally certified in your subject matter is important to upholding the quality of forensic techniques and/or technologies used in your practice, it demonstrates mastery in your experience of the subject, and “encourages adherence to high standards of professional practice and ethical conduct when performing investigations” (ABMDI website). As forensic experts, gaining certification is one way to decrease the use of “junk science” so that our practices will continue to be useful in court.
You can find these conferences and continuing education opportunities listed on the NAME, AAFS, IACME, ABFA, and ABMDI websites. The application will ask for a combination of your curriculum vitae or resume, proof of current engagement in the field, a sponsorship letter from an active member, and (of course) dues fees. Certification requires a test while membership is simply conferred by the board of directors.
I’m the Chair of the Board of Directors of SOFA (Society of Forensic Anthropologists), which promotes communication and support for forensic anthropologists practicing at coroner and medical examiners offices. We also offer grants for equipment and research. If you are a subject matter expert, chances are there are societies and meetings and groups for you!
The field of forensic science is constantly developing with new techniques, research, and methodology. Forensic practices come in and out of style – who remembers bite mark analysis?!? As good practitioners, we must stay current by seeking certifications, taking proficiency tests, reading journals, participating in conferences and professional development courses, and discussing current topics in the medicolegal system. Don’t get stuck looking for coroner only or forensic anthropology only conferences; remember that medicolegal death investigators are a multi-disciplinary group who borrow a variety of techniques from law enforcement, forensic pathology, and forensic sciences. Now that there are so many wonderful trainings online, try and learn something new that will benefit you at work! I am always learning more about forensic biology and DNA – it is my Achilles’ heel – so I take the mini-courses offered the FCToE (Forensic Technology Center of Excellence) when I have a free 30min. Try it out!
