NFI and NRGD combine exams
In order to be admitted as forensic experts, specialists in the field of DNA and Forensic Pathology now only have to sit one exam. This is a direct consequence of the decision by the Board of the Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD) to accredit the course and examination by the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). From now on, candidates will not have to undergo further testing by the NRGD. After passing their NFI exam, they will be added to the NRGD register of experts without a second test. In the future, the NRGD also aims to accredit recertification by the NFI.
Diligent process
The formal accreditation of the DNA and Forensic Pathology exams represents the final stage of a process the two organisations have been working on for some time. The NRGD and NFI did not rush this collaboration. Prior to the accreditation, a review committee working on behalf of the NRGD assessed various course and test documents, attended tests and interviewed experts, trainee experts, managers and examiners appointed by the NFI. This process resulted in accreditation for two years. After that period, a review will be held to ensure that consistency has been maintained.
Culmination
NRGD chair Henk van den Heuvel: “For the NRGD, the formal accreditation of the NFI training programme and exam for DNA and Forensic Pathology represents the culmination of a long process. The register of experts was originally set up as a guarantee of forensic quality in the criminal justice system. That is our core task. Over the years, our organisation has become ever more widely involved in quality assurance and improvement. Ultimately, the responsibility for quality lies with the criminal justice system itself. The fact that we are now taking the next step, with the NFI taking responsibility for the examination for the initial registration of experts, is fundamental to that.”
“Combining exams is practical and efficient. This agreement will save our people time and means they will no longer feel like they are having to jump through the same hoop twice. We can use the time saved to make the Netherlands safer”, says the NFI’s Director of Science and Technology Annemieke de Vries. “We see this as a huge vote of confidence in our training policy. We consider this an important step on the road we are taking with the NRGD.”
Recertification
The NFI Examination Board includes a representative of the NRGD, who has a right of veto. This is evidence of the mutual trust that the organisations have in each other’s quality and expertise. By admitting a representative, the NFI is demonstrating that it is open to the NRGD’s input. In the long term, the intention is that the periodic refresher test that all registered individuals have to pass to remain accredited will also be recognised by both bodies. For now, the next step is the formal accreditation of the NFI courses and examinations for the other areas of expertise, such as Forensic Medicine and Narcotics. After that, Toxicology, Digital Forensics (DFO), Gunshot Residue and Weapons and Ammunition will also be considered. Ultimately, the aim is for all NFI areas of expertise registered with the NRGD to be covered by a single examination.