Practitioner Aspects

Abstract

The integration of chemometrics into forensic science has revolutionised the way that analytical data is processed and interpreted, leading to enhanced accuracy and reliability in criminal investigations. However, practitioners face the challenge of meeting not only scientific standards but those of the judicial system. This chapter thus explores the critical practitioner aspects of chemometrics in forensic science, providing a comprehensive overview of its implementation in real-world casework, available software tools, courtroom presentation, and the integration within Bayesian and frequentist approaches for data analysis. By outlining the practical use of chemometrics in forensic case work, and through illustrative case studies, this chapter highlights the role of chemometrics in assisting practitioners in the interpretation of forensic evidence. The implementation of these techniques empowers forensic practitioners to make informed decisions and contribute significantly to the administration of justice.