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Codes of Practice and Conduct for forensic science providers and practitioners in the Criminal Justice System

Issue 3 - February 2016

In this third version of the Codes, additional detail on the requirement for accreditation is provided, particularly for digital forensics, firearms classification, drugs and toxicology. Having been first published in 2011, the time is approaching when accreditation to the Codes becomes a requirement; for most disciplines, this is in October 2017. The Statement of Accreditation Requirements has been substantially revised and therefore requires careful note. References to the 2015 Criminal Procedure Rules, 2015 Criminal Practice Directions and relevant standards and guidance documents have also been updated, with changes highlighted in grey.

The Codes are intended to assist organisations with understanding and interpreting the requirements of the standards, particularly BS/EN ISO/IEC 17025. Later this year, there will be a more in-depth review of the Codes, to ensure the requirements of BS/EN ISO/IEC 17020 and ILAC G19:08/2014 are fully reflected. Ahead of that review, I would value feedback on the clarity and utility of the Codes and any improvements that could be made.

Codes of Practice and Conduct for forensic science providers and practitioners in the Criminal Justice System. Issue 3

Download here the full pdf.

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