FI qualifications, standards and credibility

Once again the IAAI-UK have managed to put on a very useful event. From the theft of cables underground to fire tests in space! At the end of the meeting Pete Mansi raised the very important topic of how we, as forensic investigation practitioners, fill the credibility gap left by the loss of the CRFP. I agree with Pete that it falls upon us and the various organisations we belong to or are associated with to move this issue forward (before somebody does it for us). FI is in danger of becoming even more fragmented and inconsistent across the UK. I would like to open the discussion now in our small group. Let's discuss the issues and then think about any solutions. Here are some thoughts: CRFP could be replaced by a similar subscription based body that is involved only with FI but what organisation could take this on? FI Training is seemingly run by whoever wishes to do so. To what standards? What input? What evaluation? Is it really all down to cost? Degree courses etc. are many-fold. What is the career path for the candidates? What is the value to the industry? Private providers are becoming profligate. They will get work eventually but the private sector is a minefield and expert witnesses can be prosecuted. Are we heading for potential bun-fights in court? Fire Services are continually cutting back and dedicated, full time FI is a luxury item. What are the consequences? Are skills lost or diluted? The loss of FSS was a strange turn of events for many of us I am sure. The private sector is slowly responding but what are the required standards? As long as they find somebody to do the job at the right price do the Police care? What are their criteria for engaging forensic experts? Communication and sharing of information is still very poor. The IFE will, hopefully, be able to provide a forum when there is sufficient IT funds available but that will never be sufficient to fill the gap. I like what I hear about what appears effectively to be the Nationalisation of the Fire Service in Scotland. CFOA are working on FI standards for England and Wales (not sure about NI. Can someone enlighten me please?). But none of this will affect the private market. And what about the private market? They are not bound by any rules, procedure or guidelines but they get the job done. And in many cases they get the job done very well indeed. Over to you..........