WHEREAS, forensic science is becoming increasingly important in the adjudication of criminal proceedings; and

WHEREAS, the courts increasingly rely on forensic evidence and the results of various forensic analyses; and

WHEREAS, the results of forensic analyses must be reliable and accurate; and

WHEREAS, quality systems such as accreditation and certification play a large role in the accuracy and credibility of forensic analyses; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police endorses and recommends that all crime laboratories and other forensic service providers strive to become accredited, and that the forensic practitioners who work in those laboratories or other forensic entities seek certification in their respective forensic disciplines; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the IACP recommends that accreditation and certification be acquired from professionally recognized and accepted organizations, which are independent from the agency or person seeking accreditation/certification.