Here you will find the latest information on our company and any related forensic or legal issues.

Forensic Focus in partnership with the University of Lincoln and Aberystwyth University has been awarded a UK Research Council (AHRC) grant to conduct a three year resaerch project involving finger and palm marks recovered from medieval documents. For more information regarding the project please access Imprint or https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/hh/history/currentprojects/imprintproject/

Cumbria County Council Learning & Development Framework

In May 2016 we won a place on yet another training procurement framework. The Cumbria County Council Learning & Development Framework consists of several Lots for the training delivery to a number of County Council and Emergency Service customers. Forensic Focus Limited can bid for work in Lot 4 = Fire & Rescue Services & Lot 8 = Finance, HR and Law each consisting of a number of subject areas matching our specialisms.

In April 2016 we successfully extended the scope of our ISO17043 Proficiency Testing Accreditation. Our FMAT Finger Mark Visualisation PT Scheme  is now accredited for Powder Suspensions, Physical Developer and Acid Dyes as well as the previously accredited DFO, Ninhydrin, Superglue, BY40 and light sources.

Forensic Focus Limited as the lead organisation has been awarded a place on a UK wide Framework for the provision of Leadership Development Services. The Framework hosted by Devon & Cornwall Police, runs for 4 years and can be used by all Emergency Services.

We have been awarded places on 4 of the 6 Framework Lots as follows;

LOT 1 – Executive Leadership Programme

LOT 2 – Executive Development Programme (Individual)

LOT 4 – Leadership Team Development (Executive & Middle Management)

LOT 6 – Specialist Support for Learning Programmes

More details can be found by clicking here or by going to https://www.blpd.gov.uk or through Contracts Finder https://sid4gov.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/login

If you wish to procure any of the above services you can do so without the need for further competitive tendering by contacting Dr Karen Stow at karen.stow@forensic-focus.co.uk or by calling 07816 168759.

On 1st October 2014 Forensic Focus Limited was awarded ISO17043 accreditation for the provision of Proficiency Testing for finger and palm mark enhancement / visualisation using DFO, Ninhydrin, Superglue, Basic Yellow 40 (BY40) and Light Sources.

We would like to thank those at Nottingham Trent University who helped to make this possible.

On 29th January 2014, the UK Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (formally Police Scientific Development Branch and Home Office Scientific Development Branch) hosted the Home Office Ministerial Launch of the new Fingermark Visualisation Manual. This manual replaces the Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques which has been used by UK Police Forces and others around the world for many years.

The new manual officially launched at Hertfordshire Police Headquarters by Home Office Minister for Crime Prevention, Norman Baker is electronic in nature and covers not only finger mark development techniques but also information regarding investigative approaches and other forensic evidence types which may be encountered at the same time as finger marks. It is indeed a very comprehensive manual covering the full end to end process of finger mark recovery including recovery plans & strategies, decision making, visualisation techniques, imaging, quality assurance etc.  

The new manual is free to all UK police forces but other organisations can purchase the manual from HM The Stationery Office (TSO). The manual is aimed at all practitioners involved in Finger Mark Visualisation but also has some useful sections for Crime Scene Examiners and Police Investigation Officers and Senior Investigating Officers.

After many months of hard work, intense scrutiny and robust assessment, Forensic Focus have earned themselves a place on the NPIA National Framework for Forensic Services Procurement. As one of six successful suppliers, Forensic Focus are now eligible to perform Forensic Case Review for all UK Police Forces and other organisations who use the framework.

In order to gain such a prestigious place, Forensic Focus had to evidence their commitment to Security, Quality, Service Management, Service Provision, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery as well as demonstrating a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience in the operation field of Forensic Science.

The Scottish Fingerprint Inquiry

Sir Anthony Campbell published his long awaited Inquiry Report on 14 Dec 2011.

The Inquiry has painstakingly investigated the steps taken to verify the fingerprints involved in the case of HM Advocate v McKie in 1999 and subsequent issues resulting from that case.

The key findings in the  case included the statement that two seperate fingermarks had been misidentified. The report's 86 seperate recommendations set out several areas where improvements should be made to address issues such as this, should they arise in the future.

The UK Forensic Regulator has kept a close eye on developments, and a specialist group looking to advise on the standards applying to fingerprints is due to publish its recommendations in light of the Inquiry's findings.

The detail behind the Inquiry can be found on:

www.thefingerprintinquiryscotland.org.uk

New online Internet access

Discover everything about our consultancy service on the Internet. Thank you for visiting our website!