Forensic Science Regulator Manual of Regulation
30/Sep/2008
Executive summary:This manual of regulation sets out how the Forensic Science Regulator (the Regulator) intends to regulate forensic science used in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in England and Wales. The authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland have expressed their willingness to be partners in the setting of quality standards which will be adopted within their justice systems. It is published as a consultation document seeking views on the methods of regulation.
The principle role of the Regulator is to set and monitor quality standards for the use of forensic science in the CJS. Quality standards can be applied at three levels: provider (any provider of forensic services including law enforcement bodies and commercial providers), practitioner (any person working in a role involving the collection, analysis or presentation of forensic science evidence), and method (any forensic science procedure or technique). The Regulator will identify where standards are needed; commission new or revised standards; assign priorities; monitor effectiveness, performance and compliance; and work with other organisations to achieve these goals.
The scope of regulation spans the whole investigative and judicial process from the supply and use of suitable materials, through the crime scene, collection and analysis of forensic exhibits, to the presentation of evidence in court. It will encompass the independent accreditation of providers, the competence, development and registration of practitioners and the validation of methods.
The Regulator cannot undertake his work alone and will be dependent on the active involvement and support of delivery partners. Other stakeholders will be closely involved. Specialist groups drawn from delivery partner and stakeholder groups will be set up to develop standards and to advise the Regulator based on the extensive scientific and technical expertise of the groups. An ‘end user’ group will advise on the outcome expected of forensic activity from the perspective of the courts.
Finally, the manual describes how the Regulator will meet his other responsibilities: to oversee quality standards for the national forensic intelligence databases and to respond to complaints about quality standards in the use of forensic science.
Full document: Home Office
(Tags: forensic, law and politics, survey)