The professionalism of forensic science

A profession is characterized by specialized knowledge, barriers to entry, and self-regulation. While these attributes are noted in subdisciplines, forensic science as an entity is not well recognized and does not have these traits. Most forensic science is produced in organizations so a quick review of organizational forms is useful to consider which best suit the nurturing of such traits. Overall tacit forensic science knowledge is neither passed from subdiscipline to subdiscipline or generation to another resulting in lost opportunities in education, research, and practice. Professional bodies could help address this using the definition and principles in the Sydney Declaration and more effectively address some of the issues criticized in forensic science than the existing methods which frequently do not take an overview.