This project was completed in April 2009 and focused on developing standards on behalf of the Forensic Science Regulator for suppliers providing forensic services, both within police forces and outside.

The aim is to raise the level of confidence that the courts and the public have in the quality of digital evidence presented to assist with crime detections. The standards will raise performance levels, make them more consistent and also support the procurement process.

The standards project covers digital media such as mobile phones, computer digital storage devices (hard disks, memory sticks) and will form part of an overall universal quality standard being developed by the Forensic Science Regulator for forensic service providers.  These will include all aspects of forensic activity including crime scene investigation. This work integrates with the work of the Association of Chief Police Officers' (ACPO) e-crime portfolio.

Development of the digital standards involved stakeholders across the criminal justice system (CJS) from the providers and police, through to the courts.

Digital forensic standards were formally released to the Regulator from July 1 - read Standards.

Strategic policing links:

Crime reduction, citizen focus, data efficiency and increased performance.

Improvements expected from the use of digital evidence standards:

• More consistent delivery of digital forensics
• Simplified procurement process
• Better quality digital evidence brought to court
• Improved court and public confidence
• Reduced costs associated with rejected evidence and/or failed cases.

For further information on digital evidence standards, email us.