Citation

McClure KA, McGuire KL, Chapan DM. J. Forensic Sci. 2019; 64(1): 16-22.

Affiliation

Western Illinois University, Department of Psychology, Macomb, IL, 61455.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1556-4029.13811

PMID

29734521

Abstract

Policy on officer-involved shootings is critically reviewed and errors in applying scientific knowledge identified. Identifying and evaluating the most relevant science to a field-based problem is challenging. Law enforcement administrators with a clear understanding of valid science and application are in a better position to utilize scientific knowledge for the benefit of their organizations and officers. A recommended framework is proposed for considering the validity of science and its application. Valid science emerges via hypothesis testing, replication, extension and marked by peer review, known error rates, and general acceptance in its field of origin. Valid application of behavioral science requires an understanding of the methodology employed, measures used, and participants recruited to determine whether the science is ready for application. Fostering a science-practitioner partnership and an organizational culture that embraces quality, empirically based policy, and practices improves science-to-practice translation.

© 2018 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Language: en

Keywords

behavioral science consultant; forensic science; officer-involved shootings; police policy and practice; science application; scientific validity