The effectiveness of communication of expert opinion: Themes from interviews with police and scientists

This poster presents preliminary findings of practitioners’ views on communication about forensic scientific evidence in the criminal justice system. Past Australian research indicated that limited opportunities exist for forensic scientists to discuss face-to-face with police the scientific findings relevant to a case. The aim of this project was to better understand the communication needs of scientists and police regarding the scientific evidence in criminal cases. Police officers (who routinely investigate criminal cases involving forensic evidence), and forensic biologists and chemists (who write expert reports) from all Australian jurisdictions were invited to participate in the research. Participants engaged in semi-structured interviews about how well their communication about forensic evidence met their information needs, given their roles in the criminal justice system. The 30- to 60-minute interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Findings from analyses conducted to date suggest roles for both formal and informal – and both verbal and written – communication. Informal communication, directly or via a liaison officer, supported formal communication, particularly in serious cases. Informal communication was perceived to be important for the exchange and clarification of information, helpful to police and scientists in their roles. Interviews with police and scientists are ongoing in some jurisdictions.