A new UK-based chartered body for forensic scientists around the world will be launched on April 29. The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, which will seek to drive forward global standards in scientific and criminal investigation, officially launches at the Forensics Europe Expo at Olympia in London, under the same roof as Counter Terror Expo.
The move follows the granting of a Royal Charter to the Forensic Science Society and will allow the organisation to grant its members chartered status. The Society has been representing those working in the field of forensic science for 55 years and membership extends across 60 countries. Crime writers PD James and Lynda La Plante will be among those attending the launch with senior British and European crime scene investigators, scientists and members of the judiciary.
The Harrogate-based Society’s President, Dr Ann Priston OBE, said chartered status was a “hugely important step forward”.
“As one of the most significant milestones in a long and proud history becoming a chartered body will only add to the Society’s ability to increase the standing of our profession, continue to raise standards and to support the civil and criminal justice systems as we have done for many years,” said Dr Priston.
“It underlines our longstanding commitment to integrity and impartiality within forensic science and acknowledges the expertise within our organisation which is so valued by the courts.
“Science will always have a crucial role to play in criminal investigations and new areas of research mean our members are now having an impact in all sorts of areas – the art world, forensic accounting, archeology and technology. With this in mind it seemed appropriate to launch our new chartered status at the Forensics Europe Expo which will bring together professionals from all these sectors and more.” Visit www.forensic-science-society.org.uk
