Forensic intelligence in policing: organisational and cultural change

Abstract

One outcome from a Forensic Intelligence Workshop held by Australia New ZealandPolicing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA) National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS)in Canberra in October 2011 was the identification that, generally, there is not anintelligence culture within forensic science and organisational and cultural changewould be required if forensic science is to play a meaningful role in the intelligencespace. Over the past decade, attempts have been made to develop a best practiceIntegrated Forensic Intelligence Model to improve the integration of crime scenephysical evidence, intelligence, and investigative capabilities. Although there hasbeen some progression, it has been isolated, jurisdictionally driven and rarelystrategic. This paper begins by examining some of the organisational and culturalbarriers to the development and implementation of forensic intelligence models inAustralian jurisdictions. It goes on to outline the progress that has been made,despite these challenges, towards the development of a forensic intelligence culturein some jurisdictions, and identifies some of the factors that have contributed to thisshift. It concludes with some recommendations for a way forward.