Effective Use of Forensic Science Keith Fryer

Overview Reflections on Seminar Theme England & Wales emphasis, but; Many common issues? Mainly Police use of Forensic Science Personal perspective

Background – Further back you can look… Historically Forensic Science divided, Fingerprints – Police, Crime Scene – Mainly Police. Laboratory Services – External Providers

This has led to differences in approach: Fingerprint and Crime Scene –Some Scientifically based methods –Some accepted current practice –16 point standard/Expert Opinion Laboratory – –Evidence based Research, Bayesian –Quality Management (ISO 17025) ‏

Forensic Science Core element of the Investigation Process, however: Lack of National evidence-based Standard Operating Procedures for CSIs, Scientists understanding of Police needs? Forensic Awareness in key Police Roles? –e.g. Custody, SIO Variable performance of Police Forensic specialists: –Demonstration of Competence –Assessment in the workplace - NOS

Forensic Marketplace 1980s FSS swamped – Vol. Crime 1991 Agency Status and charging Positives – Drove necessary Change –Forced Police to review submissions Negatives – Altered relationships –In-force services vs External Provision –Forensics (Science) as a Commodity vs a Service?

Significant Reviews FSS - Using Forensic Science Effectively 1996 HMIC - Under the Microsope 2000 –VCSI role –Training UtM Refocussed 2002

Forensic Practitioners Use of Skills for Justice NOS –Training design –Assessment (in the workplace) ‏ National Training and Development Programmes (Fingerprint and CSI) ‏ Professional Registration –CRFP (Indirect process?) ‏

ACPO Strategic Framework Forensic Science largest external police spend Perceived need to drive down costs Value? Procurement exercises Encourage competition

Perceived Value of Forensic Science? External Provision e.g. CSI, Footwear, Drugs High Cost Low High Impact Low Police Forensic Services e.g. CSI, Fingerprints, Footwear e.g. Fibres, Glass

ACPO Strategic Framework Need for Fundamental Review Rebranded as ‘Forensics21’ –Break down silos –Business Change focus –Benefits Driven

Forensic Science Committee Forensic Science Training & Competence DCC Clive Wolfendale Market Development ACC Chris Eyre CHAIR Forensic Science Committee CC Chris Sims Forensic Databases CC Jon Stoddart Technology & Innovation ACC Peter Goodman Performance & Standards DCC Adrian Lee FSC Sub-Groups Expert Network NDNADB Strategy Board Gary Pugh Forensic Pathology ACC Stuart Hyde Regional Forensic Groups – ACPO Chairs Business Change Group Executive Business Support

FSC Work Process

ACPO Forensics21 Programme Currently 6 Projects: Market Development –Procurement of Forensic Services –‘Bundles of work’ Training and Competence –Specialist and General Policing Performance and Standards –Development of SOPs

ACPO Forensics21 Programme Forensic Databases –DNA, Ident1, Footwear Technology and Innovation –Remote Transfer Business Change –Fingerprint Processes

Forensic Science Competence Project Specialist Roles –CSI, Fingerprint, Laboratory General Policing –IPLDP, Custody, PCSO, ICIDP

UKAS Accreditation – ISO 17020/17025 Skills for Justice National Occupational Standards Recruitment & Induction Workplace Assessment Training Event Training Event Training Event Workplace Assessment Workplace Assessment Career Pathway Verification Professional Development Registration University Accreditation of Programmes Verification Professional Development Registration Verification Professional Development Registration

Implementation of CSI Learning Programme RecruitmentInduction Foundation Module Evidential Portfolio Development Module Crime Scene Manager Internal Verification Specialist Training Registration VCSI Internal Verification CPD Cycle Registration CSI

Forensic Regulator Set Quality Framework and Standards Consultation Paper – –Move to UKAS Accreditation –Same Approach as Forensic Service Providers –ISO 17020/17025 –Resources – (10% - 15% turnover) ‏ –Organisation, Methods, –Practitioner Competence –Registration?

Police Forensic Competence Framework

Any Questions?