How can effective oversight of forensic science be improved? Lords to ask Forensic Science Regulator
On Tuesday 22nd January the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee will question Dr Gillian Tully, the Forensic Science Regulator, on the forensic science market and her ability to enforce standards.
In written evidence to the Committee, the Forensic Science Regulator stated that there is a ‘lack of strategic leadership and clearly understood policy and strategy for forensic science in England and Wales'. The Committee has also heard evidence that there are significant concerns about the sustainability of the current forensic science market in the UK.
Over the course of the session, the Committee will ask Dr Tully what effective oversight of forensic science should look like and whether the criminal justice system is being equipped with the highest quality of forensic science.
The Session will begin at 3:25pm in Committee Room 4 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence will be:
- Dr Gillian Tully, Forensic Science Regulator
Questions the Committee are likely to ask include:
- How would statutory powers help with dealing with low compliance to ISO standards and the Regulator codes?
- Given that the human factor is so important in the interpretation of forensic evidence how do you assess individual competency given that every case is different?
- Who should be responsible and accountable for forensic science service provision?
- Is enough being done to prepare for the increasing role that digital forensics will have in the future?
