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American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) MM Houck, Consolidated Forensic Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA ã 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Introduction The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a multidisciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. AAFS is a nonprofit, professional organization founded in 1948 in an effort to improve the effectiveness of justice through the application of scientific expertise to the legal process, evidence gathering, and crime investigation. AAFS is also dedicated to educating the law enforcement, legal, and scientific communities about the many scientific disciplines that have given rise to modern forensic science, and the application of scientific forensic techniques. AAFS is dedicated to the promotion of training programs for professionals, the exchange of information among the scientists of the above disciplines, the development of new forensic techniques, the advancement of forensic sciences, the support of new research, and the development of emerging forensic techniques and disciplines. Another AAFS goal is to preserve and impart ethical standards of professional conduct among its members. The AAFS is also the resident organization for the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), which accredits forensic science educational programs. AAFS publishes the Journal of Forensic Sciences, and holds an annual scientific meeting along with several regional seminars. The Academy also provides educational information to the general public and to those considering pursuing a career in one of the many fields of the forensic sciences. Programs of continuing education and accreditation in forensics for professionals and college graduates are another service the AAFS provides. Its 6260 members are divided into 11 sections spanning the forensic enterprise:
• •
criminalistics digital evidence
196
• • • • • • • • •
engineering sciences general jurisprudence odontology pathology and biology physical anthropology psychiatry and behavioral science questioned documents toxicology
Representing all 50 United States, Canada, and 62 other countries worldwide, they actively practice forensic science and, in many cases, teach and conduct research in the field as well. Each section provides opportunities for professional development, personal contacts, awards, and recognition. Many sections publish periodic newsletters and mailings which keep their members abreast of activities and developments in their field.
Acknowledgment Material provided by AAFS website: www.aafs.org.
See also: Professional: American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD).
Further Reading Ubelaker D (ed.) (2012) Global Forensic Science. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
Relevant Website www.aafs.org – American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Second Edition
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-382165-2.00331-7
Introduction The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a multidisciplinary professional organization that provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. The objectives of the Academy are to promote professionalism, integrity, competency, education, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. AAFS is a nonprofit, professional organization founded in 1948 in an effort to improve the effectiveness of justice through the application of scientific expertise to the legal process, evidence gathering, and crime investigation. AAFS is also dedicated to educating the law enforcement, legal, and scientific communities about the many scientific disciplines that have given rise to modern forensic science, and the application of scientific forensic techniques. AAFS is dedicated to the promotion of training programs for professionals, the exchange of information among the scientists of the above disciplines, the development of new forensic techniques, the advancement of forensic sciences, the support of new research, and the development of emerging forensic techniques and disciplines. Another AAFS goal is to preserve and impart ethical standards of professional conduct among its members. The AAFS is also the resident organization for the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), which accredits forensic science educational programs. AAFS publishes the Journal of Forensic Sciences, and holds an annual scientific meeting along with several regional seminars. The Academy also provides educational information to the general public and to those considering pursuing a career in one of the many fields of the forensic sciences. Programs of continuing education and accreditation in forensics for professionals and college graduates are another service the AAFS provides. Its 6260 members are divided into 11 sections spanning the forensic enterprise:
• •
criminalistics digital evidence
196
• • • • • • • • •
engineering sciences general jurisprudence odontology pathology and biology physical anthropology psychiatry and behavioral science questioned documents toxicology
Representing all 50 United States, Canada, and 62 other countries worldwide, they actively practice forensic science and, in many cases, teach and conduct research in the field as well. Each section provides opportunities for professional development, personal contacts, awards, and recognition. Many sections publish periodic newsletters and mailings which keep their members abreast of activities and developments in their field.
Acknowledgment Material provided by AAFS website: www.aafs.org.
See also: Professional: American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD).
Further Reading Ubelaker D (ed.) (2012) Global Forensic Science. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
Relevant Website www.aafs.org – American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Second Edition
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-382165-2.00331-7