Why Accreditation Matters in Forensic Organizations

Forensic conformity assessment bodies (CABs) play a critical role in the justice system, where the quality of their work can determine the outcome of legal cases and influence public trust. To maintain credibility and defensibility, forensic CABs are increasingly seeking accreditation. But why does forensic accreditation matter so much, and what standards should CABs follow to ensure they operate at the highest level?

In this first blog of our multi-part series with A2LA, we’re diving into the foundational importance of accreditation for forensic CABs. Whether your CAB focuses on toxicology, digital forensics, or crime scene investigation, accreditation is no longer a "nice to have"; it's an operational necessity.

The Purpose of Forensic Organization Accreditation

At its core, forensic organization accreditation is about accountability. Accreditation validates that a CAB meets internationally recognized standards for competency, impartiality, and consistent operations. These standards assure external stakeholders, including attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the courts, that the CAB’s methods and results are reliable and reproducible.

Accreditation is also increasingly required for grant funding, legal admissibility of results, and public confidence in forensic science.

ISO/IEC 17025 vs. ISO/IEC 17020: Which Is Right for Your Organization?

Two international standards commonly used for forensic CAB accreditation are ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020. Understanding the difference is essential for CABs looking to choose the right path or to pursue both for comprehensive coverage.

• ISO/IEC 17025 is for forensic testing laboratories and applies to labs performing analytical testing in disciplines such as forensic biology, toxicology, and controlled substances. It focuses on:

  • Equipment calibration and maintenance

  • Traceability of measurements

  • Method validation and verification

  • Competence of laboratory personnel

  • Sampling and quality assurance

• ISO/IEC 17020 is tailored to inspection bodies, such as those handling crime scene investigation, digital forensics, or comparative discipline. These disciplines often involve more subjective evaluation and require significant professional judgment. The standard emphasizes:

  • The skills, experience, and continuing education of inspectors

  • Scene documentation and evidence collection

  • Evaluative decisions made during scene processing

Forensic Advantage’s FA OnScene software is designed to support teams working under ISO/IEC 17020, helping crime scene investigators organize and document their work clearly and consistently.

Benefits of Accreditation

Let’s break down the benefits of accreditation for forensic CABs of all sizes:

• Reliability: Accredited CABs follow documented procedures that reduce variation and error.

• Defensibility: Accredited processes and clear audit trails make it easier to defend results in court.

• Credibility: Accreditation symbolizes the CAB’s commitment to high standards, which builds trust with legal and public stakeholders. 

• Funding: Many grant opportunities, including state and federal programs, now require CABs to be accredited.

• Compliance: As oversight increases and legal requirements evolve, accreditation helps CABs stay ahead of new regulations.

The Role of Technology in Accreditation

Technology plays a crucial role in helping CABs meet and maintain accreditation. For example, Forensic Advantage's Crime Lab LIMS and Batch Processing software help CABs:

• Create automated audit trails

• Reduce manual errors in documentation

• Track resources and equipment maintenance

• Generate instant, court-ready reports

• Ensure chain-of-custody documentation remains intact

With modules like Batch Processing, FA BrAD, Resource Manager, and FA Web, Forensic Advantage also ensures that CABs can quickly pull detailed case data for audits, FOIA requests, or courtroom proceedings, saving valuable time and reducing stress for their staff.

Stay Tuned for the Rest of the Series

This blog kicks off our forensic CAB accreditation education series in collaboration with A2LA. In the coming months, we’ll explore:

• Navigating ISO/IEC 17025 Compliance

• The Role of Professional Judgment in ISO/IEC 17020

• Is Dual Accreditation Right for You?

• Future-Proofing Your CAB with Accreditation and Technology

  
  

You can also read the full white paper by Brittney Rollison, Senior Accreditation Officer at A2LA, for an excellent overview of ISO/IEC 17025 vs. ISO/IEC 17020.