Caroline Rust

[#WeCops @WeCops]

On the 1st Nov our chat was on Forensics in Police Investigations hosted by @ThamesVP Head of Forensics @KHannam33 & Head of Forensic Accreditation @CRust58285

It was a great chat across X & LinkedIn, and below you can find a blog with more detail!

#WeCops @wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@_the_blue_line_ @WeCops @KHannam33 CSIs don't need to seize everything. The exhibit recovery will be based on the strategy set which doesn't change with regulation #wecops

[Kay Hannam @KHannam33]

@ktbg1 @CRust58285 @MarcAndrewH @WeCops @TVPcareers Thanks for the nudge @ktbg1 we have a fantastic page dedicated to all our current vacancies and info on the forensic department at @ThamesVP here: https://t.co/GP58Qp8bsg

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@DC_Defective @ktbg1 @WeCops @KHannam33 yes I definitely think there needs to be some really good training embedded for frontline investigators so they can understand the regulation because it is here to stay #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@MarcAndrewH @ktbg1 @KHannam33 @WeCops The time between the release of the Code and it going live was only 6 months in the end and longer introduction may have been useful but unfortunately wasn't possible given the FSR Act #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@ktbg1 @KHannam33 @MarcAndrewH @WeCops We are very lucky to have such an engaged and supportive SAI. The forensic future at TVP is exciting! #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@_Danny__S @WeCops @KHannam33 The main requirements in the new Code are not that different from previous forensic regulation. But it does take time and resource to gain and maintain accreditation but absolutely achievable at a police force #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@WeCops @KHannam33 Forensic evidence can be really useful at eliminating individuals as well as identifying potential people of interest, which can save a lot of time and resourcing with certain lines of enquire #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@_Danny__S @WeCops @KHannam33 I think it is important to support officers so that the new statutory Code helps to improve forensic evidence without negatively impacting policing #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@DCCBenSnuggs We have been working closely with our CJ Team and supporting them to link in with wider partners, but there is still more work to do

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@DC_Defective @KHannam33 @WeCops Sharing across forensic organisations can really help to gain and maintain accreditation, totally agree! #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@MarcAndrewH @WeCops @KHannam33 Inadmissibility of non-compliant evidence is definitely a risk and it's important to work with CPS partners for shared learning and understanding #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@MarcAndrewH @WeCops @KHannam33 Most forces have managed to transition over to the Code but agree that most forensic organisations have gaps in accreditation which will take a few years to fully close #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@jamesmara1966 @WeCops @KHannam33 I think over time the right balance can hopefully be struck but often with new accreditation can come over-servicing the quality requirements of the Standard #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@_the_blue_line_ @WeCops @KHannam33 There are often extra checks and balances needed, but I think over time CSI teams will be able to find the right balance to deliver the service required without it being cumbersome #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@_the_blue_line_ @WeCops @KHannam33 There is no definite timeframe for gaining accreditation, but it isn't quick and a lot of work is needed to provide the right assurance #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@WeCops @KHannam33 On the face of it regulation should result in an improvement in quality, which is a good thing! #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@ktbg1 @WecopsCaroline @WeCops @KHannam33 As long as frontline officers complete the right training and understand how to declare correctly then the Code should only improve the quality of output #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@WeCops @KHannam33 Do frontline officers understand there is a requirement to include declarations to the Code in statements that contain forensic results? #wecops

[Caroline Rust @CRust58285]

@WecopsCaroline @WeCops @KHannam33 The statutory Code of Practice went live on 2nd October 😁#wecops