Home Office: Consultation on new statutory powers for the Forensic Science Regulator

The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) has worked with the industry, the criminal justice service, academia and government to assure quality standards in forensic services. In this time the FSR has made significant steps towards a more unified and quality-focused approach to service provision, through individual engagement and through the publication of Codes of Practice for service providers. To date, engagement with the FSR and compliance with the Codes has been on a voluntary basis. While this approach has been successful to this point, the Government agreed that these arrangements would be revisited should the FSR believe it necessary to do so, including considering placing the role on a statutory footing. The Home Office has inivted views on the regulation of services and the extent of the powers of the FSR through a consultation.

PCC's Response

The PCC's response to the consultation can be viewed here.