Forensic Services Review Project

In recent years, the forensic disciplines practiced in public crime laboratories have been under intense scrutiny by their external stakeholders. Intensified by the pressure of a significant increase in case backlogs, analytical capabilities are being closely examined by laboratory management. To assist in this process, the NFSTC (through a Cooperative Agreement with the National Institute of Justice) has developed a comprehensive review process methodology.

• Overview
• Methodology
• Project Structure

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Overview

During the performance of this review process, laboratory management must consider personnel behaviors and other factors that influence the analysis process, including:

• Training and education
• Organizational structure and/or management
• Analytical and non-analytical barriers to efficiency
• Communication
• Evidentiary requirements and issues

Methodology

To streamline the services review, the Forensic Services Review Project is presented as a sample framework for facilitating the laboratory's service review process. The methodology was developed based upon an ADDIE (Analysis > Design > Development > Implementation > Evaluation) project management system and is presented in phases.

Analysis Phase: The project problem is identified.

• Development of the project title, scope, objectives, work plan and obtain management approval
• Identification of the project manage
  

Design Phase: The project problem strategies are identified.

• Identification of the project team
• Development of task lists to include any subtasks, time frames, milestones and resource requirements
  

Development Phase: The project materials are identified and developed.

• Utilization of established templates, documents and reference materials
• Provide the opportunity to observe and mitigate risks, impediments and obstacles
  

Implementation Phase: The project strategies are conducted and reviewed.

• Project progress tracking
• Budgetary tracking
  

Evaluation Phase: The project is reviewed and evaluated.

• Review and evaluation of project methodology

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Project Structure

	The Introduction document serves as the project entry point and is linked to the Project Structure, Executive Summary, etc., as shown in this graphic. Each Phase is outlined in the respective Phase document, which may be hyperlinked to other documents designed to facilitate the process.

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