Report Summary
This report provides members of the Forensic Services Committee with an overview of Digital Forensics – Next Steps and Timeline for Progression.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendixes are not available as accessible content).
Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
Forensics Services Committee - 5 February 2024
Date : 05 February 2024
Location : online
Background
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is the largest publisher of quality standards in the world. ISO develop and publish standards across multiple industries. Adherence to these standards ensures that organisations around the world conform to the same management techniques, processes, controls, quality, products and services.
ISO 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration in forensic science labs. Essentially it is a set of requirements used to demonstrate that labs are operating a robust quality management system/framework and are competent to conduct the work that they are required to do.
Specifically, the accreditation covers a variety of areas:
- Qualifications, training and experience of staff
- Equipment – is it properly calibrated and maintained
- Adequate quality assurance procedures are in place
- Sampling and testing procedures
- Measurements can be traced
- Accurate recording and reporting
- Suitable test facilities
Similarly to SPA Forensics, ISO 17025 has been deemed as the most appropriate and internationally recognised framework under which Digital Forensics can be assessed. It is used by police services in England and Wales and has now been formalised as a project within Police Scotland. Achieving ISO accreditation will build trust and confidence in our provision of evidential products and services to victims and witnesses.
