SOPs, ISO, FSR, accreditation

Question 1

What are the Nolan Principles?

Answer 1

A set of ethical standards that guide the conduct of those working in public office.

Question 2

What are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?

Answer 2

Step-by-step instructions created to help workers carry out routine operations and consistently obtain reliable, credible, and accurate results.

Question 3

What is the purpose of SOPs?

Answer 3

To ensure contamination standards are met, health and safety guidance is followed, prevent contaminations, and ensure continuity and integrity.

Question 4

Who writes SOPs?

Answer 4

A group with varying experience and familiarity with the technique.

Question 5

What should SOPs include?

Answer 5

Scope, limitations, how it’s used, standards, regulatory requirements, roles and responsibilities, and purpose.

Question 6

What is the process for reviewing SOPs?

Answer 6

Reviewed by those carrying out the procedure on a daily basis to feel involved in the process.

Question 7

What is ARU SOP 6?

Answer 7

Covers photography.

Question 8

What are the formats of SOPs?

Answer 8

Simple steps format, hierarchical steps format, and flowchart format.

Question 9

What is the role of a Document Guardian?

Answer 9

The person preparing the SOP.

Question 10

What is the role of a Quality Manager?

Answer 10

The person who approves the SOP.

Question 11

What does ISO stand for?

Answer 11

International Organisation for Standards.

Question 12

What is ISO 9001?

Answer 12

A standard for quality management.

Question 13

What does ISO 17020 cover?

Answer 13

Requirements for competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of organizations that perform inspection activities.

Question 14

What is the purpose of ISO 17025?

Answer 14

Regulations around lab-based activities including testing and calibration.

Question 15

What is the role of the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR)?

Answer 15

To ensure forensic science providers meet high standards of quality and reliability.

Question 16

What does the Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021 establish?

Answer 16

A statutory framework for regulation of forensic science services in England and Wales.

Question 17

What is the Transforming Forensics project?

Answer 17

Assesses the ability of forensic science in the UK and implements the Forensic Capability Network (FCN).

Question 18

What is accreditation?

Answer 18

Formal recognition that an organization is competent to perform forensic science activities reliably, credibly, and accurately.

Question 19

What is validation in the context of SOPs?

Answer 19

Used to confirm that the procedure employed for a specific task is suitable for its intended use.

Question 20

What is UKAS?

Answer 20

United Kingdom Accreditation Service, the sole national accreditation body recognized by the British government.

Question 21

What is the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984?

Answer 21

Legislation implemented to bring a consistent approach to UK policing, accountability, and transparency.

Question 22

What does the Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996 detail?

Answer 22

All material collated in an investigation must be available to the defense.

Question 23

What do the Attorney General Guidelines on Disclosure of Evidence emphasize?

Answer 23

The importance of retaining all images, notes, and further work done on exhibits.