Quality Management in Forensic Science in Panama: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives

This chapter addresses the quality management evolution of Panama's Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (IMELCF), including the establishment of a dedicated office in 2015, preparatory efforts with US assistance in 2019, and subsequent accreditations from ANAB and the National Accreditation Council. The implementation necessitated a cultural transformation among technical personnel and judicial stakeholders; specialized workshops aimed to synchronize prosecutors, judges, and defense with principles such as chain of custody, validation, and traceability. Advantages encompass enhanced confidence in expert assessments, fortified international collaboration, and a framework for the region. Enduring restrictions encompass financial viability, documentation requirements, and the necessity to integrate quality beyond mere formal compliance. The chapter concludes that standardized methods and ongoing enhancement have strengthened due process and human rights, establishing Panama as a regional benchmark in forensic quality management.