How has CACI responded to the Forensic Science Regulator Code?

Authors

Rory Thorne

With the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice now a statutory requirement, Digital Forensics units pursuing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation must use an ISO/IEC 17043 accredited proficiency testing provider. CACI’s Digital Forensics Lab has been assessed by UKAS and granted accreditation to BS EN ISO/IEC 17043:2023 for all our Digital Forensic Proficiency Testing schemes.

What is the Forensic Science Regulator Code of Practice?

GOV.UK states that the code “sets quality standard requirements for forensic science activities related to the investigation of crime and the criminal justice system in England and Wales” and came into force in October 2023. This being introduced will prove to be hugely impactful for forensic science and it’s importance and meets the regulator’s requirements for quality long-term.

CACI Proficiency Testing Schemes

Computer Based Devices – Acquisition
Computer Based Devices – Processing & Analysis
Mobile Based Phone – Acquisition, Processing & Analysis

What’s included in the scheme?

Computer Based Devices – Acquisition

Includes three to five physical devices each year.
Devices meet UKAS requirements to test the entire scope over a four-year period.
Focuses on acquisition processes and related challenges.
Includes pre-acquisition activities and more.

Computer Based Devices – Processing & Analysis

Provides forensic acquisition yearly for processing and analysis.
Meets the scope for Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS ad Linux over a three-year period.
Includes full case background, examination strategy, and workbook.
Focuses on processing and analysis processes and related challenges.

Mobile Based Devices – Acquisition, Processing & Analysis

Includes three physical test devices and forensic acquisition yearly.
Provides full case background, examination strategy, and workbook.
Focuses on acquisition, processing, and analysis processes and related challenges.
Includes pre-acquisition activities and more.

How do CACI’s PT schemes ensure relevance to Law Enforcement DFUs?

CACI’s PT schemes are designed to closely replicate typical law enforcement digital forensics submissions. Participants receive physical devices packaged as police exhibits, along with a submission document, allowing them to test their end-to-end processes. Both Computer Acquisition and Mobile Acquisition schemes test pre-acquisition activities and more.

If you would like to book yourself on the next proficiency testing scheme, please get in touch with our team.