ABSTRACT

In circumstances where science and technology contribute to solutions in wider areas of human activity, such as criminal justice, the application of specialist skills knowledge in relation to complex practical problems is rarely delivered directly by specialists without intermediary agents. Such environments are usually complex and with numerous barriers to the optimal conditions for the application of specialist knowledge. These barriers include conflicting or misunderstood organizational policies and aims, financial constraints and cultural differences between different sectors. Such factors are generally overcome by formal or informal co-operative activities based on shared organizational aims or short-term goals. The corresponding level of knowledge of each party in such joint enterprises is rarely extensive or deep but more typically represents what is essential to ensure that problems are dealt with effectively within notional standards and timeframes and that perceived risks are managed.