What are the pro’s and con’s of working to ISO 17020?

With the demand for UK Crime Scene Investigators to work to the ISO 17020 standard we thought about the Pro’s and Con’s of working within the confines of the standard.

Pros of working to ISO 17020:

1. Standardisation: ISO 17020 provides a standardised framework for crime scene investigators (CSIs) to follow, ensuring consistent procedures, methodologies, and documentation. This promotes uniformity and reliability in forensic investigations.
2. Enhanced Competence: The accreditation requires CSIs to undergo rigorous training and professional development, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and expertise to carry out their duties effectively. This leads to higher levels of competence among investigators.
3. Quality Assurance: ISO 17020 emphasises the establishment of quality control measures, protocols, and risk management processes. This ensures that investigations are conducted with the utmost accuracy and precision, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving the overall quality of evidence.
4. Credibility and Trust: Adhering to ISO 17020 guidelines enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of crime scene investigations. The standard emphasises impartiality, objectivity, and confidentiality, instilling confidence in the investigative process and the evidence collected.
5. International Recognition: ISO 17020 is globally recognised, facilitating collaboration and information exchange among forensic experts from different jurisdictions. This allows CSIs to work collaboratively, share knowledge and learn from best practices on an international scale.

Cons of working to ISO 17020:

1. Time and Resources: Achieving and maintaining ISO 17020 accreditation requires a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. The implementation of the standard and continuous compliance can be demanding for organisations, particularly smaller ones with limited resources.
2. Potential Rigidity: The standardised procedures outlined in ISO 17020 may be seen as inflexible by some CSIs. There may be instances where deviations or adaptations to specific situations are necessary, but strict adherence to the standard may limit flexibility.
3. Compliance Challenges: Meeting all the requirements of ISO 17020 can be challenging for organisations. Compliance requires ongoing monitoring, documentation and audits, which may place an additional burden on CSIs and their supporting teams.
4. Limited Scope: ISO 17020 primarily focuses on the competence and operation of inspection bodies. While it provides general guidelines for crime scene investigations, some specific aspects of forensic analysis may not be comprehensively covered by the standard.
5. Potential for Bureaucracy: The implementation of ISO 17020 may introduce additional administrative and bureaucratic processes, which can potentially slow down the investigative workflow. Balancing the requirements of the standard with the need for efficiency can be a challenge.

It is important to note that while there are potential drawbacks, the benefits of working to ISO 17020 generally outweigh the challenges. The standard promotes professionalism, quality assurance, and international collaboration in crime scene investigations, contributing to more reliable and credible forensic practices.

Please contact Forensic Training Partnership if you have a training need to achieve the ISO 17020 standard.