Operational Policing
Specialist groups
Find out how the Forensic Science Regulator has set up specialist groups, and what role these groups will play.
The Forensic Science Regulator has created several specialist groups to advise on specific areas of forensic science and to undertake studies within their areas of expertise.
The Specialist Groups are:
The DNA Analysis Specialist Group
This group reviews the standards in place as they apply to the National DNA Database and forensic DNA analysis more generally.
View the membership of the DNA analysis specialist group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 10 July 2008
Read the minutes from the second meeting, held on 19 August 2008
Read the minutes from the third meeting, held on 17 December 2008
The Quality Standards Specialist Group
This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by providing advice on all matters related to the preparation, implementation and monitoring of quality standards within the remit of the Regulator.
View the membership of the quality specialist group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 8 July 2008
Read the minutes from the second meeting, held on 19 September 2008
Read the minutes from the third meeting, held on 11 December 2008
The Digital Forensics Specialist Group
This group assists in identifying requirements for new or improved quality standards, applying to the provision of digital forensics services to the police service and the wider CJS.
View the membership of the digital forensics group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 8 July 2008
Read the minutes from the second meeting, held on 9 October 2008
Read the minutes from the third meeting, held on 25 February 2009
The End User Specialist Group
This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by undertaking a one-off study, leading to the specification of an end-user requirement for forensic science services.
View the membership of the end-user specialist group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 22 July 2008
The Forensic Pathology Specialist Group
This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Science Advisory Council by providing advice on forensic pathology quality standards, reviewing current standards, proposing remedies for any shortcomings, developing and publishing guidance.
View the membership of the Forensic Pathology Specialist Group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 14 November 2008
Read the minutes from the second meeting, held on 26 February 2009
The Practitioner Standards Specialist Group
This group reviewed the accreditation of practitioners, assessed and advised on preparation, implementation and monitoring of practitioner standards. It has now completed its work.
View the membership of the practitioner standards specialist group
Read the minutes from the first meeting, held on 17 June 2008
Evidence Assessment Specialist Group
This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Advisory Council by providing advice on and developing standards for the assessment, interpretation and presentation of forensic science evidence used in the criminal justice system.
View the membership of the Evidence Assessment Specialist Group
Contamination Specialist Group
This group supports the Regulator and the Forensic Advisory Council by providing advice on and developing standards for the identification, avoidance, management and control of contamination of exhibits, or other evidence, at all stages of the forensic process.
