CLPEX Chat Board

Since I didn't get much response to my last post, I thought I'd clarify my request in the hopes of generating some more feedback.

As the first examiner in our office to consider becoming IAI certified, this is all a new experience not only for me, but also for our agency. So when I approached my superior regarding it, his response boiled down to needing me to come up with some reasons justifying it and how it will benefit my agency in order to sell the idea up the chain of command.

Aside from additional ammunition for testimony, I need help coming up with some additional reasons. Having already testified numerous times without certification, I fear this isn't a very compelling argument.

Help me out here, folks!!!

Hi,
I am getting ready to prepare for my certification as well. I am doing it for a few reasons: 1) In the Daubert world that we live in now the new approach is to attack the examiners credentials - not the science, like it has been. Just because it hasn't happened to you yet doesn't mean it won't. 2) Because there is no FP degree that can be obtained, the certification is the closest thing we have to proving that you are up to a certain recognized ability level - In forensics it is all about credibility, you are your reputation and your credentials! 3) Lastly, and unimportant to your boss, but should be important to you, if you ever want to move to a different agency, almost all of the larger cities require certification.
I am getting mine even if I have to pay for it myself, I think it is that important to the future of our proffession, and my career specifically.
Hope that helps and I hope your bosses realize that in the "scientific" community the more training and certification you have the more valuable an employee you are