Training
Today, the majority of police forces use a central training resource for the initial and development needs of their SOCOs. With the introduction of forensic science degrees at university level, the standard of candidates for employment is increasing. Once in post, trainee SOCOs attend a nine-week residential training course. During this course, a prospective SOCO will learn about fingerprint recovery techniques, DNA retrieval, photography, road traffic collisions (RTCs), and trace evidence, amongst other areas of knowledge. Upon the successful conclusion of this course, SOCOs are then invited to further their knowledge by undertaking a two-year diploma. SOCOs are expected to demonstrate a high level of further learning by liaising with colleagues, peers and other services within the law enforcement sector. This is demonstrated by submitting six dissertations discussing specialist forensic areas or elaborating on existing techniques or equipment.
In 2001, the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners was created. This was in response to the lack of regulation within the world of forensic science. Whilst registration is not compulsory, SOCOs are encouraged to apply for registration. The registration process involves the applicant submitting case studies on crime scenes they have examined. These are then subjected to their peers, who assess the applicants work based on best practise. The introduction of the CRFP is aiming to raise the standard of practise and credibility within the forensic departments who work alongside law enforcement agencies.
In 2009, The CRFP (Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners) was closed down. The Forensic Science Regulator argued that the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) was surplus to requirements. The Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) closed its doors on 31 March 2009. At an Extraordinary General Meeting the Board of the CRFP decided the organisation could no longer fulfil its objects and therefore resolved that the company should cease trading. The key factors in this were given as: 1. the decision of the Chief Executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency communicated in a letter of 4 February 2009 that he was “not currently prepared to authorise the release of any money to the CRFP for the 2009/2010 financial year” 2. the circular letter to all Chief Constables issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers Forensics Portfolio holder and the Chief Executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency dated 6 January 2009 strongly encouraging Forces “to review their future commitment to CRFP registration and the financial commitment that this requires” and 3. the consequent decision of the Metropolitan Police Service, communicated in a letter dated 2 February 2009, that “the MPS from 1 April 2009 will cease to fund subscription of MPS staff that wish to register for CRFP and will remove CRFP registration as a condition for pay progression” and 4. the decision of the Home Office, communicated in a letter dated 31st February 2009, that they “can see no basis to commit the further £175,000 of public money requested by the CRFP”.
Read more about this topic: Scenes Of Crime Officer
Famous quotes containing the word training:
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—Maria Montessori (1870–1952)
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—Frank Pittman (20th century)
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