Forensic DNA Advisory Groups: DAB, SWGDAM, ENFSI, and BSAG

Published

December 28, 2012

Author(s)

John M. Butler

Abstract

A number of organizations exist around the world that work on a national or international level to aid quality assurance and to promote accurate forensic DNA testing. These organizations are made up primarily of working scientists who coordinate their efforts to benefit the DNA typing community as a whole. The DNA Advisory Board (DAB) was established by the United States' Congress in 1994 and operated for five years from 1995 to 2000 to develop the initial Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) used in the U.S. The FBI Laboratory's Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) has inherited the role of the DAB and meets twice a year to discuss methods and produce guidance documents to aid the forensic DNA community (including revisions to the QAS). Other groups that play a similar role around the world include the DNA Commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics, the European Network of Forensic Science Institute's (ENFSI) DNA Working Group, and the Australia/New Zealand Biology Specialist Advisory Group (BSAG).

Citation

Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, 2nd edition

Volume

1

Pub Type

Encyclopedias

Keywords

DNA, DNA advisory groups, FBI Laboratory, forensic DNA, SWGDAM, ISFG, ENFSI, quality assurance, BSAG

Citation

Butler, J. (2012), Forensic DNA Advisory Groups: DAB, SWGDAM, ENFSI, and BSAG, Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, 2nd edition (Accessed May 11, 2025)