title: The use of forensic case data in intelligence-led policing: the example of drug profiling.
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.
authors: Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Morelato
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Beavis
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Tahtouh
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Ribaux
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Kirkbride
authors: Claude
authors: C
authors: Roux
mesh_terms: D003415:Crime; D003657:Decision Making; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000737:chemistry*; D019359:Knowledge; D016495:Police
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs