Component Standards
Core Standard
All accredited courses will need to meet the Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (IEPE) Component Standard. This covers the essentials of a forensic course with specific standards for particular areas e.g. digital.
Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence
Forensic and Crime Scene Sciences
The accreditation process focuses on the three essential elements of a forensic case, crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and interpretation of the scene/laboratory results. The specific requirements can be consulted on the topics below.
Crime Scene Investigation
Laboratory Analysis
All three areas (including IEPE) will be assessed in general courses (i.e. BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation), although it is possible to be accredited for only two elements should the course be more focused (i.e. BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology may not contain Crime Scene components). This decision will be made by the Co-Chair of Standards (Accreditation) and the assessment team.
Digital Forensics
The accreditation process focuses on the three essential elements of a digital forensic case which are Computer Network Evidence Recovery and Analysis and Digital Evidence Analysis, Recovery & Preservation of the information in forensic context. The specific requirements can be consulted on the topics below.
Computer Network Evidence Recovery and Analysis
Digital Evidence Analysis, Recovery & Preservation
All three areas (including IEPE) will be assessed in specific digital/computer type courses (i.e. BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics), although it is possible to be accredited for only two of the above standards it is generally expected that accreditation will be against all three.
Forensic Anthropology & Forensic Archaeology
The component standards were approved by the Forensic Science Society Council in February 2013.
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Archaeology
All three areas (including IEPE) will be assessed in specific forensic anthropology/archaeology type courses (i.e. BSc (Hons) Forensic Anthropology), although it is possible to be accredited for only two of the above standards it is generally expected that accreditation will be against all three.
This decision will be made by the Co-Chair of Standards (Accreditation) and the assessment team.
The National Occupational Standards are applicable to various employment roles whilst the Society's Component Standards are invaluable in addressing the educational and development needs pertaining to relevant roles in the forensic field.