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West Midlands Police (WMP) has announced a new partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, which will provide continuing professional development (CPD) to its forensic scene investigators (FSIs) and possibly others.
The month-long Level One Volume Crime course combines classroom learning with realistic practical sessions in the on-site crime scene simulation house.
From taking fingerprints and lifting footprints, to examining blood splatters and taking DNA swabs, the FSIs can be sure that they’re maintaining the approved techniques and learning the latest scientific and technological advances. Their work is continually monitored by nationally renowned tutors and feedback provided.
“By partnering with UoW, we’re combining academic expertise with real-world policing experience to create a comprehensive training programme that ensures our FSIs are fully equipped to do their role and do it well. This matters because securing justice for victims matters.
“Our hope with the partnership is that we are able to deliver a yearly training programme, not just for West Midlands Police staff but for other police forces as well.”
Louise Chapman, WMP’s Forensics Investigation Manager.
Burglaries, aggravated burglaries and cannabis factories have all been staged in the University of Wolverhampton’s Locard House, to mimic real-life crime scenes. The team can easily change the rooms to tailor the training to reflect crime trends in the West Midlands.
WMP FSI Taron McKay was one of the first to trial the course. “The biggest thing about the course is confidence,” said Taron.
“It gives you confidence in yourself, in forensic techniques and everything you have studied.”
While our FSI’s performance is routinely monitored by their managers, the course enables more in-depth scrutiny of their practice by independent tutors training them in the latest techniques.
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