Next generation Forensic Procurement - 543/2021

SERVICE TITLE

FIBRE EXAMINATION AND COMPARISON

SERVICE CODE

30TE

VERSION NUMBER

30TE National Specification V1.0

1.0

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS                                                           30TE

1.1

To search for, recover, examine and identify characteristics of fibres, and conduct intelligence and evidential comparisons

2.0

QUALITY AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS                            30TE

2.1

2.2

Possess BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation issued by UKAS, or an equivalent body. The scope of accreditation should cover the work required to deliver this service code as detailed in the Service Agreement Schedules Document (Section 3.2 of Schedule 3 – Standards).

Maintain the standards set out in the current version of the Codes of Conduct and Practice published by the Forensic Science Regulator. This includes any standards set out in annexes (or documents adopted or endorsed in place of or in addition to the annexes) to the Codes specified (by the Forensic Science Regulator) as being applicable to this area of work.

3.0

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS                              30TE

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

Receipt of item at the laboratory, continuity record initiated and maintained. Assess and document the forensic strategy and/or requirements shown on the

relevant submission form where appropriate, including search strategy. This

may involve discussion with the Participating Authority.

Record details of all discussions and decisions made with the Participating Authority, continuity, examination processes and the location and description of any findings.

Record details of the appearance, identifying marks, features and condition of the items, using photographic records and/or notes and diagrams as appropriate, prior to and during any subsequent examination.

Consider, preserve and/or recover any other potential evidence types in accordance with the strategy agreed with the Participating Authority. These evidence types may include, but are not limited to: - fibres, paint, DNA and fingerprints. The recovery of gunshot residue should be referred back to the Participating Authority for agreement before proceeding.

If other trace evidence is found, consult with Participating Authority regarding recovery and further submissions strategy.

Assess suitability of the case with respect to its potential for fibre examinations. This includes taking into consideration the nature of the items submitted for examination, the nature and duration of the contact involved, the time between the incident and the recovery of the submitted items etc. This may involve discussion with the Participating Authority.

Examine and analyse reference and/or recovered fibres, to establish their identity and characteristics.

3.9

3.10

3.11

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

Generate known control (reference) samples of constituent fibres from items of clothing, and identify the fibre(s) types contained within them.

Examine tape lifts from items of clothing or locations (e.g. crime scenes, vehicles), and search for fibres from a control reference sample(s) in each instance.

Where control items of clothing are not available, examine items for the presence of potentially transferred fibres of evidential value, noting any unusual fibres which could provide inceptive (inter-surface) information.

Textile examinations may include, but are not limited to the following additional examinations:

Assessment of the textile construction and content, including individual constituent fibre types in relation to

·    how the textile was dyed / coloured

·    manufacture characteristics, including buttons, fastenings and zips

·    physical, chemical and environmental damage and contamination of textiles

·    industrial enquiries as to origin of manufacture, supply chains etc.

·    Provide intelligence / evidence on the possible origins of fibres and fabrics.

Assess, map (where requested), interpret and report the significance of the findings, taking into consideration the types of fibre of interest and their commonality, together with their number, location and general distribution, so as to address areas of contact and specific activities within the context of the case where possible (and whether the fibres were transferred in one or more directions).

Carry out a comparison between reference and recovered fibres to establish a link.

Assess, interpret and report on outcomes and conclusions.

4.0

SERVICE TURNAROUND TIMES                                                    30TE

4.1

4.2

4.2.1

Bespoke Service: 95% in 21 Calendar Days – at the request of the Participating Authority for specifically identified cases. Bespoke services are not turn around time   exempt;   however,   in   exceptional   circumstances   amendments   to timescales may be discussed with the Participating Authority and agreed on a case-by-case basis.

Urgent Service: To be started as soon as practical, on receipt at laboratory, to   attain the required TRT.

TRT 24hr (or as soon as possible within the 24hrs, when required due to operational requirements on a case by case basis).

Timescale for completion of analysis and report to be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

One additional urgent charge per use of specification.

5.0

REPORT OUTCOMES                                                                      30TE

5.1

Case/exhibit/item/sample reference to be quoted when the results of examination are reported.

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

5.7

Delivery Note.

Interim progress report, verbal and/or email, as requested by the Participating Authority.

Streamlined Forensic Report – SFR1 and/or SFR2 (Up to 1 hour SFR2 only) or Abbreviated Statement when requested

Full Evaluative Statement, only when requested in conjunction with specification 30FS (Full Evaluative Statement).

When requested, case information to include, but not be limited to, copies of case notes, photographs, results, interpretation, conclusions including any potential lines of further enquiry, index of unused material and any scientific data, all to be provided when requested at no additional cost. In certain crime types the Participating Authority will require electronic data feeds containing, but not limited to, other case information.

If the processing of an item or sample involves this and another TE specification e.g. 31TE Contact Traces Glass Examination and Comparison, the reporting outcome will be combined.

6.0

DOCUMENTATION                                                                           30TE

6.1

6.2

6.3

Submission Documentation e.g. MG21 & MG21A MGFSP List of Exhibits.

Signed Exhibit Label.

7.0

STORAGE, RETENTION & DISPOSAL                                           30TE

7.1

See current version of the Exhibit Retention Guidance document for details of storage, retention and disposal requirements

8.0

PRICING                                                                                    30TE