The Metropolitan Police's Evidence Recovery Unit (ERU) has become the first police laboratory to achieve the international standard for its outstanding quality of work.ERU, the first kind in England and Wales, has reached a new benchmark - ISO17025:2005 standard, following a rigorous inspection by the United Kindom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Gary Pugh, Director of Forensic Services, said: “The forensic staff at the ERU have made significant contribution to several high profile cases and the accreditation is important endorsement of their skills and contribution.
Lord Lindsay, UKAS chairman, presented Gary Pugh with an award in a special presentation ceremony held last week at New Scotland Yard.
A three-day inspection by the UKAS assessment team included a thorough examination of the scientific methods and supporting procedures implemented within the Search Laboratory.
The findings confirmed the technical competency of the laboratory had reached the required standard, including performing testing, evidence recovery, and result interpretation.
The ERU staff will undergo regular visits by UKAS to ensure the standards demonstrated previously are being maintained.
This will include ongoing staff competency and proficiency testing.
The Directorate of Forensic Service is also ensuring it meets the standards laid down by the government's Forensic Regulator who confirmed in January 2010 that all police forensic laboratories must aim to achieve accreditation by December 2013.
(216 words)
Picture by the Met Police
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