FI workshop 20th May - feedback

Link: www.cfoa.org.uk/download/16477
I found this workshop very interesting. It will clearly generate much of the schedule of the forthcomming FI Stategy Group:
- The South East Regional FI set up appears to me to be a very good role model. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved by determined effort from experienced practitioners and supportive, modern management. David Wales will fill you all in with more detail in the newsletter perhaps.
- Hampshire FRS presented an excellent Police/Fire Service investigation scheme that turns much current working practise and training on its head. Hampshire FRS investigators now fully work fire-related crime scenes! There may be some legal issues and there must surely be some training issues.
- Durham and Darlington FRS offer a FI degree that appears sufficiently comprehensive and good value for money. At present it is only available to FRS investigators.

Our profession is marching on rapidly but it is fragmented. I hope that the FI Strategy Group can achieve greater National cohesion, standards and comunication.

Forensic Science Degrees

Reading the latest issue of 'Science and Justice' (journal of the Forensic Science Society (FSS)), I was pleased to see that the FSS have been studying the issue of these degrees and their use to employers. It is no surprise that employers have found little use at all for applicants with these degrees. They have been discredited in the National press as "The current Media Studies degree".
The FSS appears to have chosen to support the continuation of these courses despite the fact there is no career path. They state that they will "work closely with employers and universities to develop a common benchmark for the content of these degrees aligning graduate skills with employer need". For the students sake I sure hope so.
I believe these courses have been niaively and sometimes cynically set up on the back of the so-called CSI effect and that they should not be offered to anyone who does not have a science degree or substantial relevant work experience.
Any opinions?

Skype

We had a brief call between three of us this morning (Sunday 9th).
There are problems with the system that may render it unusable for anything other than a casual conversation between just one or two people.
Chris was using a laptop and dongle. His signal strength was poor and we were unable to hear him fully. He was, however, able to write messages without any problem.
Mike and I were using laptops but with our home PCs nearby. I am sure that many of us multi-task like this. The Skype programme on the PCs often responded automatically and we found that we had to shut down the PCs.
I also found that my internet connection dropped out completely sometimes when both my machines were operating with Skype.

Paul could you see if there is any cure for these issues and also explore if Yahoo conference calling may be a better option. Thanks.

New members to the panel

We have two new panel members now with us:

Mike Burroughs is Station Manager with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Fire Investigation Support Team. He is also a Fire Safety Policy Support Officer.

Mark Ross is a Watch Manager with the London Fire Investigation Team.
So we now have FRS representation in the South West and London.

IFE's new Technical Officer, Jim Robson is also signed onto our blog for IFE administration purposes.