In April 2008 the NPIA, in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), launched Forensics21, an overarching programme of work aimed at creating a police-led forensic service.

The programme completed Phase 1 in March 2010 and has achieved a number of significant improvements in police forensic services. 

Projects included the successful transition of the National DNA Database into a police owned, secure environment, reducing the average time to establish a fingerprint identification from 17 days to 2 days by the introduction of the remote transmission of crime scene marks and developing a national footwear reference collection enabling forces to communicate footwear pattern links in a single intelligent language.

Direction

Strategic direction for the programme is provided through the ACPO Forensics Portfolio Board, chaired by Chief Constable Chris Sims of West Midlands Constabulary in his capacity as the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO).

He is assisted by other chief officers who head up projects within the programme.

Management and business change

The programme office for Forensics21 leads on information, communication, monitoring and control of activities. It plays a critical role in achieving programme delivery by providing specialist skills, standards and knowledge in programme and project management.

The Forensics21 programme is benefits driven and led by an outward facing business change team of experienced police officers and forensic scientists. The programme uses a benefits approach to work in partnership with police forces and allows achieved benefits from the work of the projects to speak for themselves.

Phase 2 Projects:

• Operation Slingshot (Closure of Forensic Science Service)
• Next Generation Forensic Procurement
• FSS Archiving Project
• Protection of Freedoms Bill
• Accelerated DNA Profiling Technology
• Forensic Quality Standards
• National Footwear Database

For further information on the work of the Forensics21 programme email us.