FORENSIC POLICING


SUPPORT THE SPECIALISTS


Andy Smith, forensic collision investigation lead for the Police


Federation of England and Wales, explains how this evolving role is moving towards accreditation. By Sophie Garrod


is a county line in between two forces? This is about standardisation, and there must be certain methods put in place, so we all operate the same, which will eventually lead to accreditation.” Until recently, many forensic collision investigation (FCI) units were attached


Welfare support and protected learning time for forensic collision investigators must be at the heart of ongoing changes to this specialism. The Forensic Collision Investigation Network is striving for all 43 forces to be accredited by the Forensic Science Regulator for a standardised approach to road traffic collision investigation. Forensic collision investigators attend the scenes of fatal and serious collisions to gather evidence and provide expert opinion to investigation teams, the criminal justice system, and coroners. Their experience includes knowledge of science and engineering and they comprise officers and civilians. Andy Smith, forensic collision investigation lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and Northumbria Police Federation rep, said accreditation will likely take a number of years to complete, as validation methods need to be approved. This includes competency testing, and additional levels of qualification and training for investigators. “It was recognised a number of years


ago that forces were all operating slightly differently,” explained Andy. “Why should one collision investigation be treated differently to another just because there


44 | POLICE | APRIL 2023


to operational support or roads policing departments. Now, as part of the validation and accreditation process, many forces have moved FCI units to scientific support departments. The level of training is decided by individual forces, but many investigators


rest days.”


“There is often little time for studying, because you’ve still got the radio going and months of enquiries to get through”


are studying for a Certificate of Higher Education or degree in Forensic Collision Investigation studies, in addition to standard qualifications. However, the PFEW is concerned for the welfare of officers who are studying, often while handling multiple cases. “When officers are dealing with a number of complex investigations, there is often little time for studying, because you’ve still got the radio going and months of enquiries to get through,” said Andy, who has 23 years of experience in roads policing, with 11 as a forensic collision investigator. “While it is easy for supervisors and forces to say you’ll have time during work, if you’re still doing your job, you don’t have a great deal of spare work time, so people study on their


“With the nature of the job, going to serious and fatal accidents regularly, our members need rest days to relax and forget about work. However, this often doesn’t happen as you’re trying to achieve that level of training and qualification.” Two years ago, Andy had to study for the Certificate of Higher Education and experienced the stress this causes. He still takes medication for his blood pressure as a result – and he said he is not the only officer in this situation. While studying for a year, he had few days off, because he was either at work, working on rest days or studying at home. PFEW is pressing for protected learning time, so officers do not have to study outside duty time, but acknowledges a long-term recruitment plan and uplift in police numbers is desperately needed. Andy has witnessed people being deterred from considering forensic collision investigator work because of the additional pressure of studying. Additionally, investigators will be expected to undertake


competency tests every five years. “We agree with many of the changes, but the studying can often be stressful and we need to make sure officers are treated fairly,” he continued. “Welfare support is the key here, because of what we do and the changing world we are working in.” Brian Booth, PFEW roads policing


lead, said: “Andy is doing fantastic work addressing the concerns of officers in this important field of roads policing. He brings the knowledge, credibility and expertise that puts PFEW on the front foot when addressing issues on behalf of the membership. There are substantial issues to resolve, but I am confident we have the right team to do it.”


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