The future of the forensic science providers - Time to re-think our structures?

The organisation of the forensic chain, from scene of crime up to the court house, has in most countries hardly evolved with the societal needs as well as with the scientific developments. It can be expected that the forensic possibilities will be strongly enlarged in the coming years, based on the current scientific evolution. This combined with the reduction of the operating funds most laboratories are experiencing highlights the need to reflect on the way the forensic chain and its providers are organized.