The Principles of authentic Quality Culture: a foundation for Quality forensic service provision

Quality Management (QM) frameworks have been used by forensic science service providers worldwide as a foundational tool for assuring standards of practice and the quality of results for decades. As reliance on forensic information for crime disruption, prevention and resolution has increased, so too has the emphasis on the reliability of forensic services. Cases have shown that the quality of forensic services can impact justice system outcomes, demonstrating that compliance with QM standards alone is insufficient to assure the delivery of a quality service. An authentic Quality Culture underpins the effectiveness and integration of quality management (QM) principles and processes within an organisational system. Reframing the notion of Quality in forensic science within the context of an authentic Quality Culture led the interjurisdictional Quality Specialist Advisory Group of the Australia and New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency National Institute of Forensic Science (ANZPAA NIFS) to develop the Principles of authentic Quality Culture in forensic science service provision (“the Principles”). The Principles outline organisational factors and characteristics that support and enhance Quality in forensic science services through a demonstrable Quality Culture and are designed to be used by forensic service providers independent of jurisdiction, maturity of QM system, or accreditation status. Examples of how these Principles are translated into operational practice demonstrate that their adoption provides a flexible and achievable approach to enhancing Quality through a wide range of iterative and continuous improvements that support the cultivation of a systemic, positive, and authentic, culture of Quality for forensic science.