NCJ Number
63967
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
IMPROVEMENTS IN FORENSIC CRIMINOLOGY TO MEET FUTURE REQUIREMENTS OF POLICE AND JUDICIAL AGENCIES IN WEST GERMANY ARE SUGGESTED.
Abstract
POLICE AND COURT AGENCY EXPECTATIONS FOR FORENSIC CRIMINOLOGY ARE DETERMINED BY THE UPCOMING REQUIREMENTS OF PRESENTING EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. WHETHER FORENSIC EXPERTS WILL BE ABLE TO FUFILL THEIR FOREMOST TASK OF MAKING THE JUDGE'S DECISION MORE OBJECTIVE WILL DEPEND ON TECHNICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: (1) IMPROVED PRECISION, SPEED, AND SELECTIVITY IN IDENTIFYING AND ANALYZING EVIDENCE; (2) DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AREAS OF APPLICATION OF FORENSIC METHODS; (3) INCREASED AUTOMATION AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE USE OF COMPUTERS; AND (4) REORGANIZATION OF THE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS BY BRINGING FORENSIC ANALYSTS ON LOCATION (THE SCENE OF THE CRIME) AND BY USING A CENTRALIZED DATABASE. FURTHER CHANGES REQUIRED ARE THE UNIFICATION OF POLICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IN PARTICULAR, CENTRALIZED LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS) AND A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONFLICTS BETWEEN FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. THE ARTICLE CONTAINS FOOTNOTES. --IN GERMAN. (SAJ)