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+44 (0) 1388 744000

Forensic Training

Based at the NPIA's Forensic Centre, we offer a range of forensic investigation programmes that are made available to national and international law enforcement agencies.

The new NPIA Forensic Centre, has been described by Chief Constable Peter Neyroud as the most up to date forensic training facility in the world.

Facilities include:

  • 10 new classrooms
  • A state of the art laboratory
  • Fingerprint training classrooms with Ident1 and Livescan supplementing the training environment
  • An immersive learning suite (Hydra) which offers critical incident training 
  • A new practical training block that features a realistic street scene with shops, roads and vehicles, plus 12 room settings that allow identical assessment scenarios
  • Conference facilities for up to 120 persons
  • En-suite accommodation for 80 persons
  • Restaurant with bar and a small gymnasium

In April 2009 a new era of Crime Scene Investigation training began. This is a modular approach where students will be able to undertake residential training in 4 and 5 week blocks integrated with workplace mentoring and assessment. This programme is accredited by Teesside University as a Foundation Degree in Crime Scene Investigation

Additionally, the ACPO approved Fingerprint Development Learning programme takes students from foundation to advanced level in a 3 - 4 years, resulting in a foundation degree in Fingerprint Identification with Teesside University..

Harperley Hall aerial view

Success in the UK has led to a demand for our specialist training overseas, and in 2009 Police services in thirteen countries are using our services and expertise.

In 2006 the Strategic Framework for Forensic Science (SF4FS) was developed by a jointly sponsored project team drawn from the Association of Chief Police Officers, APA and Home Office. At the request of the sponsors, the SF4FS was adopted by the NPIA and formally commissioned on 28 February 2008.  Now renamed as the  Forensics21 Programme it aims to challenge, enable and improve forensic services to make society safer and deliver an effective police-led forensic service fit for the 21st Century.

Under the Forensics21 banner we have teams working on the Forensic Science Competence Project. It aims to improve forensic skills and knowledge for all police officers, forensic practitioners, and other relevant staff, ensuring the effective use of forensic science in the investigation of crime.

Police Photographer of the Year Award 2010

For this years competition rules regulation and entry form please go to Competition information.