Transparency in forensic anthropology through the implementation of quality assurance practices

The quest for transparency in the forensic sciences is guided by robust quality assurance (QA) programs; however, antiquated ideas of what QA is and how it is applied is a roadblock for many laboratories. From a quality perspective, a customer is defined as the individual/group who will receive the finished, while the provider is the forensic scientist or laboratory conducting the analysis. Quality forensic services are most effectively delivered when best practices, professional ethics, and the concepts regarding standard operating procedures are learned during the formative years of training. With the exception of a few universities with well-established Forensic Anthropology laboratories, the concept of QA is not typically incorporated into this academic-level training and education. Implementation of a QA program is more challenging in forensic anthropology compared with other forensic disciplines, such as toxicology and genetics.