The use of forensic case data in intelligence-led policing: The example of drug profiling

Marie Morelato, Alison Beavis, Mark Tahtouh, Olivier Ribaux, Kenneth Kirkbride, Claude Roux

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    67 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    To date, forensic science has predominantly focused on generating evidence for judicial proceedings. While many recognise its broader and important contribution to the initial stages of the forensic process, resources do not seem to be employed efficiently. It is often discovered retrospectively that necessary information was previously available in a database or within existing files. Such information could have been proactively used in order to solve a particular case, a number of linked cases or better understand the criminal activity as a whole. This article reviews this broader contribution of forensic science, with a particular emphasis on drug intelligence at the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Australia. Using the AFP as a model organisation, an overview of the current situation and the contribution of physical and chemical profiling are first discussed. The situation in Europe, and in particular in Switzerland, is also presented. It is argued that a change of attitude towards a more intelligence-led perspective is required in forensic science in general, and in drug profiling in particular.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1-9
    Number of pages9
    JournalForensic Science International
    Volume226
    Issue number1-3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 10 Mar 2013

    Keywords

    • 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA)
    • Amphetamine-type substances (ATS)
    • Australian Federal Police (AFP)
    • Decision-making
    • Drug profiling
    • Forensic intelligence
    • Illicit drugs
    • Intelligence-led policing
    • Methylamphetamine

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