King, W.R. and Maguire, E.R. (2009). “Assessing the Performance of Systems Designed to Process Criminal Forensic Evidence.” Forensic Science Policy & Management: An International Journal, 1(3): 159-170.
Abstract:
This paper examines methods that can be used to assess the performance of public organizations and systems designed to process criminal forensic evidence. There is considerable literature devoted to applying scientific and technical knowledge to criminal forensics techniques, such as DNA, AFIS fingerprint systems, and IBIS ballistics systems. However, the forensic science literature tends to overlook the nature and dynamics of organizations and systems responsible for finding, gathering, transporting, and processing physical evidence. How should the performance of these organizations and systems be measured, and what benchmarks exist for comparing their performance relative to their peers? We present a framework for establishing performance measures for organizations and systems that process physical evidence. These measures can serve as a valuable tool for enabling managers to assess the performance of organizations and systems and to evaluate the impact of reforms.
Year: 2009
Language: English
Type: Journal article
Topic: Organization theory, Forensic science, Criminal investigation
Methodologies: Other