Congress on the exchange of forensic evidence and expertise
It must be easier for countries in the European Union to exchange forensic expertise and data. This was the most important goal during the congress titled European Forensic Science Area 2020: the way forward. It was recently held in Amsterdam within the framework of the Netherlands' Presidency of the European Union.
Around ninety international participants took part in the congress, including policy makers, public prosecutors, judges, and directors of forensic institutions. Several experts from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) gave lectures or presentations on recent forensic innovations.
Exchange of evidence
Crime does not stop at country borders, which is why European countries frequently exchange forensic evidence, such as finger prints. In addition, a large number of countries exchange DNA profiles of evidence and persons on a daily basis.
Minimum quality requirements
During the congress, the participants talked about the minimum quality requirements that should be met by forensic investigations. The Netherlands wants to encourage cooperation among EU countries in criminal matters, and to increase mutual trust. The idea is that this will create a European Forensic Area, in which it will be easier for EU countries to apply forensic expertise.
The countries should be able to rely on one another for the quality of forensic evidence. Only in that case, it will be able to stand up in court. “One of the most important things is that the criminal justice system can rely on the fact that the forensic data being provided is of high quality. Irrespective of the country from which the data originate’, said Reinout Woittiez, Chief Executive Officer of the NFI, during the congress.