The FIAG was founded in May 2003 in London by a group of practitioners from diverse backgrounds that had led them into the field of identification of people from imagery. Initially the group was called ‘Facial Imagery Analysis Group’. However, it soon transpired that imagery analysis and identification from imagery encompassed more than just faces so the name was changed to ‘Forensic Imagery Analysis Group’. This opened the group up to more members and allowed a greater span of knowledge input into the group. The main purpose of the group forming was to come together to discuss methods, terminology and expression of opinions so that we could better understand each other outside of a court room.
Over time, with the number of cases involving imagery analysis, the courts have become more familiar with the nature of the evidence we give and with the development of the Levels of Support Guidelines published by the FIAG in 2008 it is now much easier for the courts to determine where experts agree or disagree.
Since joining The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences they have now become the FIAD (Forensic Imagery Analysis Division).
At FIAD we learn through sharing. Our members are recognised practitioners in the discipline of Imagery Analysis and have a huge wealth of experience. Through FIAD membership we are able to address matters of importance to the industry as a united front and assist on developing the areas of our expertise.
The requirement for further standardisation and development in the field has been around for sometime but it is quickly becoming a necessity with the call for methods to be validated and laboratories to be accredited. The focus of the FIAD today and in the future is to become a widely recognised group committed to the development and standardisation of Forensic Imagery Analysis.
Our aims are:
- To provide a forum for the discussion and promotion of subjects of a common interest to members (national and international) of all professions that operates within the domain of Forensic Imagery Analysis.
- To encourage the development of standards that enhance the professional standing of any single or multiple interest parties within the FIAD.
- To encourage the professional development of its members by researching and/or providing training in the field of Forensic Imagery Analysis and working with the CSFS to incorporate this training into their already established CPD training program.
- To work with the CSFS to determine how to assess competency and continuing competence of practitioners in the field – to include all aspects of comparative analysis and imagery interpretation from installation, retrieval, processing, analysis and presentation in courts of law.
- Provide a forum for dispute resolution between members outside of the UK Legal system.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success” – Henry Ford
If you have an enquiry related to Forensic Imagery Analysis or would like to contact FIAD please email fiad@csofs.org
Jacqueline Pestell is a Senior Forensic Imagery Investigator at LGC and has been the Chair of the FIAD since May 2013.