The Polish Forensic Association (PTK) founded by Prof. Brunon Hołyst, Prof. Jan Markiewicz and Prof. Jan Hanausek has already a three-decade-long history. PTK was founded in Cracow and entered into the Register of Societies and Associations on 7th August, 1973.
From the day of its founding the Polish Forensic Association has put a lot of stress on popularising forensic science and practice, among others, by periodical specialist publications. For many years, PTK issued "Patologia Społeczna. Zapobieganie" (Social Pathology. Prevention) journal whose Editor in Chief was Prof. Brunon Hołyst, to be succeeded by "Postępy Kryminalistyki" (Advancements in Forensic Science). Since year 2000, PTK in cooperation with the Forensic Science Institute at University of Warsaw, has been issuing "Problemy Współczesnej Kryminalistyki" (Issues of Contemporary Forensic Science) journal, which presents scientific undertakings and achievements of PTK and its Members. At the moment we are in the final phase of work on the Polish Forensic Bibliography 1980-2000 comprising approx. 12 thousand items. Volumes to follow are in preparation.

Already well-established PTK undertakings include organisation of scientific convents, symposia, workshops and student scientific camps aiming at expanding knowledge and improving practical skills. Since year 2000, a "Paper of the Year" contest in the name of Prof. Jan Hanausek has been organised. Every three years, Polish Forensic Symposium is held being the largest national scientific event of this kind and constituting the platform for presentation of latest achievements in the area of forensic science.

The outcomes of 7th and 8th PTK Conferences (Wilga 2001, Warsaw 2003) included adoption of and amendment to the Statues and election of new Authorities of the Association for a 6-year term of office. At the moment, the office of PTK President is held by Prof. Bronisław Młodziejowski (Prof. Mariusz Kulicki stepped down for health reasons). The Scientific Board was elected, consisting of outstanding specialists representing various fields of forensic science with Prof. Tadeusz Tomaszewski as Chairman.

The main aim of the Forensic Laboratory in PTK Research and Training Centre is to contribute to crime prevention activities and provide scientific support to law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. The Laboratory performs various kinds of casework. Practitioners involved in this process are high class specialists possessing educational background and professional experience, recruited from among scientific environment, retired employees of the police forensic laboratories and other public services, as well as forensic examiners of unquestioned authority in specific forensic fields. Until the present moment, the Polish Forensic Association has delivered 12 000 forensic opinions.

The activities of PTK evoke an unceasing interest throughout Poland. At present, five sections of PTK have over 500 Members including scientists, judges, prosecutors, police officers and forensic experts.

Within the scope of activities aiming at dissemination of forensic expertise and professional improvement, PTK delivers training courses (predominantly free of charge) designed for police officers, bank staff, insurance companies, etc. PTK has also its contribution to legislative works, i.e. drafting and consulting legal acts regulating areas being within the statutory PTK scope of activities. The token of recognition of the significance of PTK was granting the status of public profit organisation, which took place on 27.04.2004 upon a decision by Warsaw District Court (Economic Department XIX of the National Court Register).