Insights into the concept of forensic science policy as a step towards a future international science programme

Abstract

The EU Security Strategy contains binding provisions on ensuring security via law enforcement cooperation and tackling crime-related issues. Taking into account the Council of the EU’s Public Security Strategies and conclusions on the implementation of the Vision for European Forensic Science 2020 as well as national legislation (Lithuanian Public Security Development Programme 2015-2025) aimed at crime control and prevention and ensuring public security, the Article suggests the need for a scientific concept of forensic science policy, which could be developed via a separate science programme. The Article aims to encourage legal scholars and practitioners to join the discussions – alongside other pressing scientific issues – and explore the role of forensic science policy [1] in the development of law enforcement authorities’ strategies and programmes and their relation to national and EU security. The research subject is forensic and criminal policy and the legal framework thereof within law enforcement strategies for the development of the European public security area. The Article proposes conducting comprehensive research into the current state of the law enforcement strategies and ongoing reforms as a prerequisite for the development of the forensic and criminal policy concept and providing conclusions on the law enforcement reforms’ compliance with the strategic objectives of the state in light of changes within Europe. The authors of the paper believe this could contribute to shaping the sciencebased vectors for developing European Forensic Science (not limited to forensic examination) Area 2030. The authors interviewed 50 expert scientists (including 44 PhDs, 13 of them professors) from 12 European countries to collect data for the paper.