General Forensic Disciplines

Frequently Asked Questions

General Forensic Discipline Standing Committee

  1. What is the General Forensics Discipline?

    The General Forensics Discipline is unique in that it allows for a broader scope of individuals within the forensic science field to become members of the IAI. The potential members may not conform to one of the other specific disciplines within the IAI.

  2. What are some examples of career fields that are represented within the General Forensics Discipline?

    Career fields within the General Forensics Discipline include, but are not limited to: laboratory directors, medical examiners, forensic technicians, medico legal death investigators, attorneys, forensic equipment vendors, and evidence custodians just to name a few.

  3. How many members have joined the IAI within the General Forensics Discipline?

    There are approximately 300 members currently within the General Forensics Discipline.

  4. What certification is available for examiners in the General Forensics Discipline?

    Currently, there is no IAI certification in the General Forensics Discipline. Available certifications include Bloodstain Pattern Examiner Certification, Crime Scene Certification, Footwear Certification, Forensic Art Certification, Forensic Photography Certification, Latent Print Certification and Tenprint Fingerprint Certification. For further information on these certifications, visit the “Certification” tab on the IAI website.

  5. Are there websites related to the General Forensics Discipline?

    Websites related to the General Forensics Discipline are:

  6. What is the purpose of the General Forensics Committee?

    • To act as an investigative committee on applicants seeking IAI membership within the General Forensics Discipline.
    • To assist in acquiring instructors and lecturers for the annual IAI educational conferences.
    • To provide feedback to top management within the IAI on issues facing the forensic science community.
    • To provide written reports to the President of the IAI on the status of the General Forensics Subcommittee.

  7. What are the terms for serving on the Subcommittee?

    Each member of the subcommittee is selected for a one-year term generally the term of office of the president. The member must be an Active Member of the IAI in good standing. They must be working in or retired from at least one of the disciplines represented by the subcommittee. Vendors may be appointed to this subcommittee; however, to preclude a potential conflict of interest, a majority of the subcommittee must not be composed of vendors. The subcommittee shall consist of one Chairperson and neither less than three, nor more than seven subcommittee members. Each member shall remain actively engaged in the business of the subcommittee.

  8. How do you become a member of the General Forensics Subcommittee?

    To serve on the General Forensics Subcommittee, you should contact the Committee Chair and/or the incoming IAI President. It would also be very helpful to provide a CV or resume which lists your education, training and experience supporting your ability to serve on this committee.

  9. Who may I contact to obtain further information regarding this committee?

    Gary L. Ford II
    Chair of the IAI General Forensics Subcommittee
    4930 N. 31st Street
    Forest Park, GA 30297
    404-469-7274