Jennie Smith

In 2015 the Government have commissioned an independent review into Deaths and serious incidents in custody. In October 2015 Dame Elish Angiolini, DBE, QC, FRSA, was appointed to lead this review.

As professional bodies whose primary agenda is to raise standards, provide a competent workforce with integrity UKAFN along with the FFLM and the College of Paramedics believe that this review should examine the current variations in the training and competence of healthcare professionals working in this field, as well as the need for appropriate qualifications and training.

UKAFN and our clinical partners have drafted the following press release. We have also written to Dame Elish to voice this view and request our representatives are included in her review panel moving forward.

If you have any feedback on this please contact UKAFN at ukafnmembership@gmail.com

Press release Oct 26th FINAL

The FFLM have asked us to help advertise their up coming study days. They are holding revision study days. One for sexual offences in December followed by one for general forensic medicine in January 2016.

Details of the SOM day with the days schedule can be found in the ‘courses’ tab of our website.

The six monthly review of the Forensic Sampling guidelines has just been completed in July and published by the FFLM.

Please see the link for the up to date guidelines. These will be reviewed again in Jan 2016.

Forensic Sampling Guidelines July 2015

In 2014 the CPS produced a document about Expert Evidence and being an Expert witness. Whilst this is not strictly applicable for our roles, as we are Professional Witnesses it has been added to the website for you to have a read through.

You may pick up some transferable skills and knowledge.

Happy reading.

Expert Evidence – First edition – 2014

Ongoing in London until the middle of June is a Forensic Exhibition.

‘Forensics: the anatomy of crime’ explores the history, science and art of forensic medicine. It travels from crime scene to courtroom, across centuries and continents, exploring the specialisms of those involved in the delicate processes of collecting, analysing and presenting medical evidence. It draws out the stories of victims, suspects and investigators of violent crimes, and our enduring cultural fascination with death and detection.

The exhibition contains original evidence, archival material, photographic documentation, film footage, forensic instruments and specimens, and is rich with artworks offering both unsettling and intimate responses to traumatic events. Challenging familiar views of forensic medicine shaped by fictions that came out of the sensational reporting of late Victorian murder cases and popular crime dramas, ‘Forensics’ highlights the complex entwining of law and medicine, and the scientific methods it calls upon and creates.

For more information see http://wellcomecollection.org/forensics

In March 2015 the IPCC Learning the Lessons Bulletin No. 23 is solely around custody.

It reviews several case studies, some which resulted in deaths and others that didn’t. The case studies cover many areas including Section 136 detainees, head injuries, intoxication levels, rousing detainees, and drunk and incapable to name a few.

Following each case study is a ‘key questions’ section, and the over-arching question being – ‘Could it happen here?’

Link is attached and well worth a read.

IPCC Learing the Lessons 23 – Custody

We are delighted to let you know of our disinvite event entitled “Setting Standards for NHS Forensics” which is being held on Saturday 28th Marchat The Faculty of Health Sciences, Stafford Campus, Staffordshire University.

Outlining the latest thinking on the rigours required for any work stream within the NHS, which has the potential to end up in the courtroom. This event will be of relevance to any Healthcare Practitioners working in secure environments, Custody, Acute Trusts, Community Trusts, Primary Care and the Voluntary Sector.

Speakers will cover the standards of Forensics in Podiatry, Radiography and Nursing.

The Society is accepting abstract submissions for poster presentations. To submit an abstract for consideration or to book your place for the event click on the relevant link above.

UKAFN have secured a discount code for UKAFN Members reducing the conference cost to £90 per delegate. 

You will find the link in the members area on the website and you must use the link to gain the discount.  You will not find the link on the Chartered Society’s website. 

For the latest updates in taking Forensic Samples, both complainant and suspects please refer to the most recent guidelines, published in January 2015.

All changes are highlighted in yellow for ease.

Recomendations for the collection of forensic specimens Complainants and suspects January 2015

The International Association of Forensic Nurses has its ‘Forensic Nurses week’ this week – November 10th -14th.

They hope that you will share your passion of forensic nursing with your communities. Encouraging Forensic nurses to wear lilac – which is their colour all day, Friday, November 14th.

Please help us promote forensic nursing to your workplace and community!

For more information on the association, go to www.forensicnurses.org