The History and Experience of Community-Based Research in Forensic Science

The purpose of this project was to highlight the unique collaboration of Forensic Science and Community-Based Research at Trent University facilitated by the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC). A review of literature was conducted, and interviews of hosts, TCRC staff, faculty members and students were conducted as a means of gaining personal perspectives on the history and experience of the program. The course began in the academic year of 2009-2010 and that the idea of a collaboration between these two fields came from a friendly conversation between a TCRC staff member and the Trent faculty supervisor. In addition, most of the projects conducted address research themes of a social nature due to the criminal foundation of Forensic Science. In general host organizations were positively impacted by the projects conducted, using results to implement new best practice ideas and make positive change in the local community. Finally the Forensics student gained a unique learning experience that had a positive affected on their choices after completing their undergraduate degrees. The findings of this study could be used to create a best practices guide for Community-Based Research in Forensics Science, or to create the foundation for expansion of this program.