Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice – statutory consultation launched
The Forensic Science Regulator has launched the statutory consultation on the draft Code of Practice, which is required by Section 3 of the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021.
The draft Code sets quality standard requirements for forensic science activities related to the investigation of crime and the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales.
The draft Code applies to England and Wales, but the Regulator welcomes views from stakeholders from across the UK. The Regulator also welcomes views from forensic science units outside of England and Wales but to whom the code will apply in so far as they carry on activities within England and Wales.
Representations are welcome from:
- forensic units from the 43 territorial police forces
- commercial forensic science units
- professional bodies
- government departments
- interested groups
- the wider public
Following the consultation period, responses will be analysed, and the draft Code will be revised as necessary. The Code will then be sent to the Secretary of State for the Home Department for approval. Following this, the Code will be laid before Parliament for approval.
The consultation closes at 11.45pm on the 31st of October 2022, and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/forensic-science-draft-statutory-code-of-practice
Background information on the consultation and guidance on how to respond is also available at the above link.