Understanding 'error' in the forensic sciences: A primer.

This paper distils seven key lessons about 'error' from a collaborative webinar series between practitioners at Victoria Police Forensic Services Department and academics. It aims to provide the common understanding of error necessary to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and research. The lessons underscore the inevitability, complexity and subjectivity of error, as well as opportunities for learning and growth. Ultimately, we argue that error can be a potent tool for continuous improvement and accountability, enhancing the reliability of forensic sciences and public trust. It is hoped the shared understanding provided by this paper will support future initiatives and funding for collaborative developments in this vital domain.
Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Kristy A. Martire reports financial support was provided by Victoria Police Forensic Services Department. Richard I. Kemp, Rachel A. Searston, Alice Towler, Jason M. Tangen, Gary Edmond, Matthew B. Thompson and Kristy Martire report financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100000923Australian Research Council. Tess M. S. Neal reports financial support was provided by PLuS Alliance Fellowship and Australian-American Fulbright Commission. Carolyn Davis, Stacey Gorski, Zara Lee, Christopher M. Verdon, Gabrielle Jansen, Tanya Lang, Joshua Slocum, Stephanie Summersby, Darren Watson, Melissa V. Werrett and Kaye N. Ballantyne report a relationship with Victoria Police Forensic Services Department that includes: employment. Jason M. Chin is an Editor at Forensic Science International: Synergy. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
(© 2024 The Authors.)