The concept of a national Forensic Science Week was raised during a meeting of forensic leaders in 2013 as a way to recognize and advance quality forensic science. After that meeting, formal support was initially offered by the MCC and immediately joined by the IACP, ASCIA, MCSA, and the full panel of organizations that compose the CFSO. From there, a planning guide, website, and numerous blogs and emails were distributed to the community.
Within a few months, National Forensic Science Week was transformed from a simple idea at a meeting to a true national event. This can only be explained by the importance of forensic science in modern criminal justice and the dedication of forensic professionals across the nation. Quality forensic science and those that provide these services deserve our appreciation and respect.
In the pursuit of justice, National Forensic Science Week celebrates the experts who illuminate truth, exonerating the innocent and pinpointing the guilty. Join us in honoring the linchpins of a fairer world where science meets justice.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is a dynamic organization that serves as the professional voice of law enforcement. Building on our past success, the IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement though advocacy, programs and research, as well as training and other professional services. IACP is a comprehensive professional organization that supports the law enforcement leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.
The Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) is a professional association of Chiefs and Sheriffs representing the largest cities in the United States, Canada and the UK. MCCA membership is comprised of Chiefs and Sheriffs of the sixty-six largest law enforcement agencies in the United States, nine largest in Canada and one in the UK. They serve 82.5 million people (69.5 US – 10.5 Canada – 2.5 UK) with a sworn workforce of 190,402 (161,664 US, 20,506 Canada, 8232 UK) officers and non-sworn personnel.
ASCIA is a professional association consisting of the senior executives of the state wide criminal investigative agencies in the United States whether they are independent bureau within the state or a state police agency with both criminal and other enforcement responsibilities.
The Major County Sheriffs’ Association (MCSA) is a professional law enforcement association of elected sheriffs representing counties or parishes with 500,000 population or more. We are dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law enforcement and the elected Office of the Sheriff. Our membership represents over 100 million Americans.
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation.
Formed in 2000, CFSO is an association of forensic science professional organizations. These professional organizations together represent more than 12,000 forensic science professionals across the United States.
The Global Forensic Justice Center coordinates all forensic science and criminal justice efforts at Florida International University. Our purpose is equitable justice through science, scholarship, and service. Our structure builds on four established focus areas – Academia, Industry, Technology and International Justice – dramatically expanding the university’s footprint and providing unparalleled opportunities for students, postdocs, faculty, practitioners and agencies worldwide.
The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, led by RTI International, is supported through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The FTCOE supports the implementation of new forensic technology and best practices by end users and is dedicated to elevating the status of forensic science through advancing technology, sharing knowledge, and addressing challenges. The FTCOE bridges the gap between the scientific and justice communities.
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