Forensic Science and Quality Management
Addressing the Era of Standardization in Challenging Environments
By: Roberto C. Parra (Editor), Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy (Editor)
Hardcover | 16 April 2026 | Edition Number 1
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Explores how global standards in forensic science can be applied across diverse and challenging contexts
The global move toward standardisation in forensic sciences promises reliability, transparency, and a shared professional language. Forensic Science and Quality Management examines how these aspirations intersect with the realities of working in politically, socially, and economically challenging environments. Through expert analysis and international case studies, the volume examines how rigorous standards canâ"and mustâ"be adapted to function ethically and effectively in contexts marked by limited resources, instability, and humanitarian crises.
Contributions from internationally recognised experts and field practitioners emphasise that achieving quality in forensic science extends beyond procedural complianceâ"it requires balancing technical accuracy with ethical awareness, contextual understanding, and sensitivity to human rights. In-depth chapters examine the implementation of quality management frameworks in regions around the world, the adaptation of various international protocols, and the application of advanced technologies such as DNA analysis and artificial intelligence. By bringing together theory, practice, and lived experience, this collection challenges the notion that standardisation alone guarantees justice.
Illustrating how forensic professionals innovate within constraints while demonstrating resilience and integrity in the pursuit of human rights, victimsâ dignity, and the fight against impunity. Forensic Science and Quality Management:
- Analyses how global forensic standards can be adapted to varied social, political, and economic environments
- Draws on real-world examples from Latin America, Africa, and other regions affected by conflict and limited resources
- Offers critical insight into the evolving relationship between standardisation, ethics, and justice â" recognising modern forensic science principles as first-order foundations for credibility and accountability
- Discusses the tension between accreditation and genuine institutional strengthening
- Highlights the role of forensic science in promoting accountability, human rights, respect for victimsâ dignity, and the pursuit of transitional justice
Forensic Science and Quality Management: Addressing the Era of Standardisation in Challenging Environments is essential reading for forensic scientists, criminologists, criminalistics, legal professionals, transitional justice experts, political actors and human rights investigators working in both stable and complex environments. It is also a valuable text for postgraduate courses in forensic science, criminal justice, transitional justice and human rights law within degrees in law, forensic science, humanitarian actions, and social sciences.
About the Editors xv
List of Contributors xvii
Preface xix
Series Preface xxi
Acknowledgments xxiii
Introduction xxv
1 Forensic Quality Management and Era of Standardization: Where the Rubber Meets the Road in Challenging Environments 1
Roberto C. Parra Eva Bruenisholz and Claude Roux
1.1 Introduction 1
1.1.1 Historical Development and the Rise of Standardization 1
1.1.2 Refocusing on Quality: From Checklist Culture to Scientific Judgment 4
1.1.3 Balancing Standardization and Professional Autonomy 6
1.1.4 The Epistemic Gap and the Need for Scientific Culture 6
1.1.5 From Administrative Compliance to Critical Forensic Science 7
1.1.6 Chapter Roadmap 8
1.2 Quality Management in Forensic Science: From Tradition to Transformation 9
1.2.1 Purposes and Institutional Justification 9
1.2.2 Toward a Forensic Scientific Culture 11
1.3 The Standardization Era: The Forensic Shift and Industrial Ideals 13
1.3.1 Mean vs. Purpose 14
1.3.2 The Forensic Quality Paradox 16
1.4 Quality in Challenging Environments: Where the Rubber Meets the Road 17
1.4.1 Brief Overview of the Sydney Declaration 20
1.4.2 The Sydney Declaration as an Overarching Strategic Quality Framework for Challenging Environments 22
1.4.2.1 Enhancing Reliability Through Scientific Grounding 23
1.4.2.2 Ensuring Relevance 24
1.4.2.3 Supporting Effectiveness and Relevance in Diverse Contexts 25
1.4.2.4 Enabling Flexibility and Adaptability 25
1.4.2.5 Encourage Innovation While Maintaining Integrity 26
1.4.3 Forensic Science in Practice: Intersecting the Mechanisms of Compliance with Epistemic Logic 28
1.5 Conclusion: How Should the Road Actually Appear? 30
References 33
2 Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Science: An Important Opportunity for Challenging Environments 37
Roberto C. Parra Gian Carlo Iannacone and Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy
2.1 Introduction 37
2.2 Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Forensic Sciences Within the Framework of the Principles of the Sydney Declaration 40
2.2.1 Evidence Identification with AI and Nanotechnology 40
2.2.2 Automation and Robotization in Forensic Analysis 41
2.2.3 Association of Traces with Context and Time 42
2.2.4 Interpretation of Results and Generation of Forensic Reports 43
2.3 Critical Points to Consider in the Implementation of Forensic AI 46
2.3.1 Neural Networks 46
2.3.2 Large Language Models (LLMs) 46
2.3.3 Data Quality and Representativeness 47
2.3.4 Cross-validation 47
2.3.5 Overfitting 47
2.3.6 Explainability (XAI) 48
2.4 Improving Quality Standards in Countries Without ISO Certification 48
2.5 Ethical Risks and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Forensic Science 50
2.5.1 The Black Box in Forensic Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Technical Effectiveness with Epistemological Vulnerability 52
2.5.2 Ethical Crossroads in Forensic Science: Navigating the AI Revolution and the Future of the Forensic Professional 54
2.6 Forensic Quality Operational Skepticism and Artificial Intelligence as a Bridge Between Standards and Innovation 56
2.7 Conclusion 58
References 58
3 A Universal Guidance Model: The Minnesota Protocol in Challenging Environments 63
Roberto C. Parra Pierre Perich Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy Michael Pollanen Daouda Traore Jorge L. Vasquez-Guerrero Omer O. Adjibode John Mbewu-Bodji and Sami El Jundi
3.1 Introduction 63
3.2 Foundations of the Minnesota Protocol (2016) 65
3.3 The Duty to Investigate in Challenging Environments 68
3.4 Implementation Strategies Adapted to Challenging Contexts 71
3.5 Best Practices and Relevant Experiences 74
3.6 Recurring Challenges 77
3.7 Value of the Protocol as a Universal Standard in the Fight Against Impunity 78
3.8 Conclusions 80
References 82
4 Deaths in Custody Are a Silent Global Tragedy: An Analysis of Burkina Fasoâs Challenging Environment in Dialogue with International Experiences 83
Daouda Traore Roberto C. Parra Norbert W. Ramde B©rar© Doudoulgou Ratouissamda Kagambega Omer O. Adjibode and Jorge L. Vasquez-Guerrero
4.1 Introduction 83
4.2 Death in Custody and Limits on Institutions in Burkina Faso 85
4.2.1 The Rules and Structure of Detention in Burkina Faso 85
4.2.2 Design of Forensic Study 85
4.2.3 Profile of the Victim 86
4.2.4 Structural Problems and Conditions of Detention 86
4.2.5 Forensic Findings and Circumstances of Death 86
4.2.6 Critical Analysis 87
4.3 Considerations of International Good Practices that Land in the Practice of Challenging Environments 87
4.3.1 The ICRC Approach: Essential Elements that Should be Known Regarding Forensic Work 88
4.3.2 Broadening the Definition 88
4.3.3 Comparative Evidence: The Chinese Case 89
4.3.4 United Nations Observations: Report A/HRC/53/29 89
4.3.5 Documentation to Prevent 89
4.4 The Debate About What It Means to Death in Custody: Bioethical and Structural Aspects 90
4.4.1 Beyond the Physical Location: The Continuum of State Custody 90
4.4.2 Strategies for Institutional Evasion and Dispersed Accountability 90
4.4.3 Natural Death vs. Preventable Death: Ethical and Forensic Consequences 91
4.4.4 Invisibility Underreporting and Access to the Truth 91
4.4.5 Last Reflections 92
4.5 Comparison with China: A Proven System Faces Persistent Structural Challenges 93
4.5.1 Comparative Profile: Quantity Age and Etiologies of Mortality 94
4.5.2 The Contradiction of Accreditation Devoid of Reflexive Transformation 94
4.5.3 The Function of Forensic Medicine in Both Scenarios 94
4.5.4 Mechanisms for External Control and Oversight 95
4.5.5 The Weight of Political and Cultural Contexts 95
4.5.6 Last Reflections 95
4.6 Recommendations for Action in Challenging Environments 96
4.6.1 Changing the Idea of State Custody 96
4.6.2 Treat all Deaths in Custody as Potentially Suspicious 96
4.6.3 Ensuring the Independence of Experts and the Integrity of the Forensic Process 97
4.6.4 Create National Registries and External Oversight Mechanisms 98
4.6.5 Training Prison and Judicial Officials 99
4.6.6 Guarantee Participation and Reparation for Victims and their Families 99
4.7 Conclusion: Protecting Life on the Margins of the System 99
References 101
5 From Conflict to Cooperation: ICRCâs Forensic Humanitarian Efforts in Challenging Contexts 103
Denise Abboud Vincent Mazraani Rafael De Abreu E Souza Maria Dolores Morcillo Mendez Jane Taylor and Pierre Guyomarcâh
5.1 Introduction 103
5.2 The Establishment of the Forensic Unit: An ICRC Commitment to Forensic Humanitarian Action 104
5.3 The ICRC Forensic Unit 105
5.4 Forensic Humanitarian Action by ICRC 107
5.5 Strengthening of Medico Legal Systems in Challenging Environments: Medico-legal Systems and their Role in the Response to Issues of Humanitarian Concern 108
5.5.1 Gaps and Challenges 110
5.6 Implementation of Quality Management Systems 112
5.6.1 Good Governance in Forensic Practices 113
5.6.2 Total Quality Management (TQM) Principles Applied to Forensic Practices 113
5.6.3 Process-based Approach to Quality Management System 114
5.6.4 Six Mandatory Factors for Effective Forensic Process Management 114
5.6.5 Implementation Steps 115
5.7 Maintaining Quality Management in Forensics 116
5.8 Challenges and Solutions in Forensic Operations 116
5.9 Future Directions and Recommendations 120
5.9.1 Recommendations for Advancing Forensic Science Capacity in the Arab World 121
5.10 Conclusion 124
References 125
6 Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict: Promoting Forensic Evidence as a Humanitarian Action 127
Roberto C. Parra Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy Daouda Traore Pierre Perich Omer O. Adjibode John Mbewu-Bodji and Sami EL Jundi
6.1 Introduction: Naming the Unspeakable Preserving the Invaluable 127
6.2 Contemporary Approaches to Sexual Violence in Conflict 129
6.2.1 Sexual Violence as an International Crime and as Structural Violence 129
6.2.2 From Silence to Litigation: Evolution of the Forensic Approach 131
6.2.3 Emergence of the Forensic Science in Humanitarian Model 132
6.3 Structural and Operational Challenges in Conflict Contexts 133
6.3.1 Scenarios of Protracted Conflict and Institutional Weakening 134
6.3.2 Systemic Impunity and Obstacles to Access to Justice 134
6.3.3 Forensic Limitations: Lack of Protocols Training and Resources 135
6.3.4 Time as a Forensic Enemy: Delay Disappearance and Deterioration 135
6.3.5 Inequality in the Capacities of Medical and Judicial Personnel 136
6.3.6 Risks for Victims and Intervening Personnel 137
6.4 Case Study: DRC Post-conflict and the Implementation of the International Protocol 137
6.4.1 X Case: Clinical Documentation with Humanitarian Approach 138
6.4.2 Y Case: Direct Application of the International Forensic Protocol 139
6.4.3 Comparative Analysis and Lessons Learned 140
6.4.4 Role of Forensic Team UNJHRO and the Implementation of the International Protocol 141
6.4.5 Local Adaptation: Inclusion of Sociocultural and Clinical Variables 142
6.4.6 Adaptation Results: Quality Completeness and Forensic Utility 143
6.5 Lessons Learned and Replicability 143
6.6 Methodological Comparison: International Protocol vs. Clinical Form 144
6.6.1 Differences in Objectives: Medical Assistance vs. Forensic Evidence Collection 144
6.6.2 Form Structure: Level of Detail and Organization of Information 145
6.6.3 Technical Language vs. Clinical Accessibility 145
6.6.4 Consent Confidentiality and Data Protection 146
6.6.5 Judicial Value and Use in Litigation 147
6.6.6 Adaptability to Adverse Contexts 147
6.7 Forensic Protection as a Humanitarian Act 148
6.7.1 Beyond Evidence: Forensic Science in Humanitarian Contexts 149
6.7.2 The Ethics of Care in Forensic Contexts 149
6.7.3 The Role of Informed Consent as a Pillar of Dignity 150
6.7.4 Documenting to Protect: Prevention as a Humanitarian Dimension 150
6.7.5 The Role of the Community and Local Knowledge 151
6.7.6 Forensic Science and Humanitarian Action: A Necessary Link 151
6.8 Ethical Considerations and Protection of Information 152
6.8.1 Confidentiality in Contexts of Risk 152
6.8.2 Risks of Revictimization Coercion or Misuse of Data 153
6.8.3 Principles of the International Protocol and ICRC Standards 153
6.8.4 Emerging Technologies: Advantages and Risks in Forensic Documentation (MediCapt GBVIMS) 154
6.9 Towards a Resilient Forensic System in Adverse Contexts 155
6.9.1 Training of Local Personnel with International Standards 156
6.9.2 Flexible Yet Robust Protocols Adaptable to Multiple Scenarios 156
6.9.3 Articulation Between Health Justice and Humanitarian Action 157
6.9.4 The Integrated Forensic Approach in Transitional Justice 157
6.10 Conclusion 158
References 160
7 Quality Management in Forensic Science in Panama: Advances Challenges and Perspectives 165
Jos© Vicente Pachar Lucio
7.1 Introduction 165
7.2 Regulatory Framework and International Context 166
7.3 Accreditation Progress in Panama 167
7.4 Challenges Faced During the Process 168
7.4.1 Technical and Operational Challenges 168
7.4.2 Staff Training and Competence 168
7.4.3 Documentation and Information Management 168
7.4.4 Financial and Economic Resources 169
7.4.5 Quality Management and Organizational Culture 169
7.4.6 Integration with Other Systems and Their Users 169
7.5 Institutional and Social Impact 170
7.6 Conclusions 170
References 170
8 Peruvian Efforts to Strengthen the Quality of Forensic Practice: Limitations and Advances in Standardization 173
Gian Carlo Iannacone Marleny Huerta-Valdivia Jorge Vasquez-Guerrero and Roberto C. Parra
8.1 Introduction 173
8.2 Brief Review of the IMLFC-Perº 174
8.3 Macro-level Process Flow of the IMLFC-Perº Forensic Services 178
8.4 Integration of Processes Within the Framework of the Sydney Declaration 179
8.5 Strategies from IMLFC-Peru for Quality Assurance: Applying the Declaration of Sydney as an Efficient Alternative 182
8.5.1 Preconditions in the Framework of Forensic Process 182
8.5.2 Planning and Evaluation of Biases for a Correct Forensic Analysis 185
8.5.3 Analysis of Forensic Results 188
8.5.3.1 Necropsy Attention in Remote Areas of Peru 189
8.5.3.2 Opportunity for Auxiliary Services in Thanatology and Forensic Clinic 191
8.5.3.3 DNA Databank in Cases of Sexual and Criminal Violence 192
8.5.4 Multidisciplinary Interpretation of Forensic Results 195
8.5.5 Presentation in Court by the Forensic Professionals 196
8.6 Conclusion 197
References 198
9 Guatemalanâs Efforts to Strengthen the Quality of Forensic Practice: Limitations and Advances 203
Ruth Garcia-Marroquin and Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy
9.1 Introduction 203
9.1.1 Generalities About Guatemala 203
9.1.2 Dispersion of Guatemalan Forensic Science and the Need to Harmonize Management 205
9.2 National Institute of Forensic Sciences of Guatemala (INACIF) 206
9.2.1 Acoustics Laboratory 208
9.2.2 Environmental Analysis Laboratory 208
9.2.3 Laboratory of Anthropology and Archaeology 209
9.2.4 Ballistics Laboratory 209
9.2.5 Forensic Entomology Laboratory 211
9.2.6 Documentoscopy Laboratory 212
9.2.7 Physical Chemistry Laboratory 213
9.2.8 Vehicle Identification Laboratory 213
9.2.9 Computer Forensic Laboratory 214
9.2.10 Linguistics Laboratory 214
9.2.11 Controlled Substances Laboratory 214
9.2.12 Toxicology Laboratory 215
9.2.13 Lophoscopy Laboratory 215
9.2.14 Serology and Genetics Laboratory 215
9.3 Support from International Cooperation 216
9.3.1 Accreditation Process 216
9.3.2 The Role of International Cooperation in the Strengthening and Accreditation of INACIFâs Crime Laboratories 219
9.3.3 Challenges for INACIF to Maintain the Accreditation of Its Laboratories 221
9.4 Conclusion 222
References 223
10 Latin America in Forensic Action: Quality Standards Alone Do Not Provide an Infallible Quality Assurance 225
Roberto C. Parra Gian Carlo Iannacone Allan G. Alvarez-Godoy Daniel Castellanos Ruth Garcia-Marroquin and Jorge L. Vasquez-Guerrero
10.1 Introduction 225
10.1.1 The Mirage of Forensic Quality in Latin America 227
10.2 International Standards: Foundations and Limitations in their Forensic Applicability 228
10.2.1 A Standard Outside Its Original Context 229
10.2.2 The Risk of Operational Fragmentation 229
10.2.3 The Internal Logic of the Accreditation Drive 230
10.2.4 Costs Documentation and Sustainability 230
10.2.5 Toward a Contextual and Integrated Vision of Quality 231
10.3 Accreditation and Forensic Practice: Diverse Trajectories in Latin America 231
10.3.1 Colombia: Institutional Articulation and Technical Maturity 234
10.3.2 Chile: Expert Modernization and Systemic Approach 234
10.3.3 Brazil: Technical Leadership in Tension with Structural Inequality 235
10.3.4 Guatemala: Technical Advances and Sustained Institutional Will 235
10.3.5 Peru: Structural Fragmentation and Quality Stagnation 236
10.4 Myths and Realities of Quality Discourse: Between the Normative Symbol and Effective Transformation 237
10.4.1 Myth 1: Accreditation as an Automatic Guarantee of Quality 237
10.4.2 Myth 2: The Standard Is Universally Applicable Without Adaptation 238
10.4.3 Myth 3: More Documentation Equals More Control 238
10.4.4 Myth 4: Technical Quality Guarantees Scientific Integrity 239
10.4.5 Conditions for Overcoming Quality Fetishism 239
10.4.6 Toward a Meaningful Culture of Quality 240
10.5 Elements for Contextual and Comprehensive Quality: From the Sydney Declaration to Its Applicability in Latin America 241
10.5.1 Shifting the Focus: From Tools to Fundamentals 241
10.5.2 Overcoming the Illusion of Accreditation as the Ultimate Goal 242
10.5.3 Building Systems Centered on Human Potential and Knowledge 243
10.5.4 Ensure Systemic Approach and Operational Coherence 244
10.5.5 Promote a Scientific Culture Instead of an Administrative Culture 245
10.5.6 Toward a Contextualized Normative Architecture 246
10.5.7 Applicability and Projection of the Sydney Declaration in Latin America 247
10.5.8 Final Reflection: A New Look at Latin American Forensic Quality 249
References 250
11 The Sydney Declaration as an Operational Approach to Challenging Forensic Environments 251
Roberto C. Parra and Claude Roux
11.1 Introduction 251
11.2 Reflections Throughout the Volume 252
11.3 Conclusion 254
References 255
Index 257
ISBN: 9781394240371
ISBN-10: 1394240376
Series: Forensic Science in Focus
Published: 16th April 2026
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 544
Audience: Professional and Scholarly
Publisher: Wiley
Country of Publication: GB
Edition Number: 1
Dimensions (cm): 26.3 x 18.4 x 2.0
Weight (kg): 0.93
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