The economics of accreditation

This paper is a report on a research project on the economics of accreditation in the UK. The main motivation and objective for the study is to have available a detailed analysis of how the accreditation system impinges on important aspects of economic life, such as innovation and business and economic performance. It aims to improve the general understanding of the benefits of using accredited conformity assessment and to help businesses make informed decisions when procuring conformity assessment and related services. It is also intended to be helpful to government by supporting evidence-based policy making in relation to accreditation and conformity assessmen

A critical review of psychological instruments used in police officer selection

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the instruments used in the screening process, with particular attention given to supporting research validation. Psychological screening is a well-established process used in the selection of employees across public safety industries, particularly in police settings. Screening in and screening out are both possible, with screening out being the most commonly used method. Little attention, however, has been given to evaluating the comparative validities of the instruments used.Design/methodology/approachThis review investigates literature supporting the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the California Personality Inventory (CPI), the Inwald Personality Inventory (IPI), the Australian Institute of Forensic Psychology\u27s test battery (AIFP), and some other less researched tests. Research supporting the validity of each test is discussed.FindingsIt was found that no test possesses unequivocal research support, although the CPI and AIFP tests show promise. Most formal research into the validity of the instruments lacks appropriate experimental structure and is therefore less powerful as “evidence” of the utility of the instrument(s).Practical implicationsThis research raises the notion that many current screening practices are likely to be adding minimal value to the selection process by way of using instruments that are not “cut out” for the job. This has implications for policy and practice at the recruitment stage of police employment.Originality/value This research provides a critical overview of the instruments and their validity studies rather than examining the general process of psychological screening. As such, it is useful to those working in selection who are facing the choice of psychological instrument. Possibilities for future research are presented, and development opportunities for a best practice instrument are discussed

Investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of forensic pathology practice in Western Cape, South Africa

Introduction: In South Africa (SA), the forensic sector faces significant challenges including how to meet increasing public expectations for high quality, reliable and valid scientific and medico legal results, whilst dealing with increasing caseloads and restricted resources in a developing country. Internationally, lean six-sigma and/or business-based frameworks have been developed to define, measure and analyse the efficiency, effectiveness and output of forensic laboratories, so as to assess performance to meet such challenges. Aim: This pilot project aimed to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of forensic pathology practice at Salt River Mortuary (SRM) by applying lean six sigma principles (define, measure, analyse and improve) and FORESIGHT metric analyses to retrospective case and staffing data, as well as prospective observational analyses. Methods: A retrospective analysis of cases admitted to Salt River Mortuary in 2015 was conducted to define and measure a snapshot of forensic pathology practice in Cape Town. In addition, observations of autopsy processes were conducted to identify bottlenecks in the system and provide suggestions for improvement. Results: An analysis of post-mortem report turn-around for 3567 cases admitted to SRM in 2015 showed that approximately 10% of cases were closed (cause of death was determined) on the day of the post-mortem, 65% within 14 days and 80% closed within a 30 day period. Certain requested ancillary investigations delayed the finalisation of cause of death; for example, only 8.33% of carbon monoxide testing and 30.31% of histological examinations were completed within the year. A process map outlining autopsy practices at SRM was generated through observational data, which also identified key bottlenecks in the process (e.g.: equipment issues). Preliminary financial data suggested that it cost on average R16 155.03 per case. Staff data demonstrated a lack of pathologists compared to other staff categories and high case load requirements. Discussion: This pilot study investigates the utilization of metrics and strategic frameworks to assess forensic pathology processes in Cape Town. This study offers a cross-sectional insight into financial performance, efficiency and effectiveness of post-mortem investigations at SRM, highlighting bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and providing suggestions for improvement. The findings will assist in forming a basis for future work into the development of a framework for monitoring performance and progress, and developing benchmark standards for the death investigation system in South Afric

The Recognition of Fires Originating from Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems

There has been an observable increase in the fitting of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roofs of buildings in the UK over the last decade. The origin of some fires in domestic and commercial properties has been attributed to PV systems. This thesis examines the ability of fire examiners to recognise and record details of fires believed to have originated from PV systems, as well as investigating the effect of internal heating in direct current (DC) isolators to the point at which they fail. National fire data was examined along with the methods for collecting and collating these data. This clarified that national fire data cannot identify the specifics of electrical fires. Validity of these data was then tested by identifying the confidence and competence in the recognition of the origin of fire, (especially when associated with PV systems), of some fire staff responsible for collecting fire data. This suggests that some fire scenes examiners are not confident in their own ability to recognise fires originating from PV systems. Evidence for fires occurring in PV systems in Kent between 2009 and 2014 was then examined, including a cold case forensic review of the evidence. This provided an indication that a potential common point of failure, which may lead to fire originating from a PV system, was to be found within the DC section of the PV circuits and probably within the DC isolator switch itself. Experimentation revealed that internal heating of a terminal connection can lead to changes of the phase of the insulating material, causing failure of structural integrity and therefore allowing an arc to be established. Observable post fire indicators associated with this mechanism of failure have been identified as well as hydrocarbons evolved from pyrolysis of isolator insulating material. Finally, areas for further experimental research and training of fire staff are suggested as well as the modification of recording mechanisms and building regulations

Forensic science in Seychelles: An example of a micro-jurisdiction forensic delivery system

Forensic science has become an indispensable tool for even the smallest of jurisdictions. However, micro-jurisdictions often face significant challenges with respect to resource availability, administration and local governance. This paper examines the forensic service provision in Seychelles as an example of a micro-jurisdiction forensic delivery system. The impact of limited resources and remote access to consumables or services have prompted the prospective shift to localise commonly utilised forensic services. The need to balance quality and cost for a sustainable forensic service is examined in relation to jurisdictions with more advanced forensic service delivery. Reforms of the legal framework, administration, and governance structures are some of the key underpinnings for an effective forensic delivery system built on a culture of transparent science that promotes justice and creates public confidence in the judicial system

Forensic science in combat of human trafficking

Although Forensic Science has become a crucial part of the investigation of many types of crime, the low number of scientific publications on the usage of Forensic Science to eliminate Human Trafficking or to speed up crime investigation, has given rise to the idea of conducting research on the role of Forensic Science in the investigation of Human Trafficking cases. The following literature review aims at judging the current importance of Forensic Science in solving and preventing Human Trafficking cases, at gathering ideas for the introduction of novel techniques and at identifying gaps of research within this field. For this purpose, a wider view, also addressing socio-economic topics, was applied

Applications of micro-CT in the Criminal Justice System of England and Wales: an impact assessment

The Criminal Justice System of England and Wales is currently facing major challenges. One is the financial pressure of government funding cuts, the other the increasing need for professionalisation and rigour within the system. This thesis presents the use of micro Computed Tomography, Additive Manufacturing, and 3D visualisation to address both challenges. By drawing on data from live murder investigations the project examines how these digital technologies can be used to improve the investigation of strangulation deaths, sharp force injuries, and fractures. Each of these categories was treated as a separate case in the overall multiple-case study research design. The increased detail enabled by micro-CT assisted pathologists in the diagnosis of strangulation as previously undetected injuries of the larynx could be identified. A validation study comparing injured to uninjured samples was conducted to increase the strength of the interpretations. For sharp force injuries analysis, micro-CT proved useful for providing the necessary injury characteristics and highly accurate measurements to allow weapon identification. The high resolution of micro-CT scanning also enabled the visualisation of trauma on the smallest of skeletal elements, often encountered in non-accidental injuries in children. The cross-case synthesis revealed the main themes of clarity, objectivity, and visualisation which were improved by using micro-CT irrespective of type of homicide. The significance of these themes further crystallised in semi-structured interviews conducted with various stakeholders of the Criminal Justice System. Management concepts proved suitable to assess the project’s success as the themes used in operations management such as quality, delivery, and cost apply to the delivery of justice as well. A good working relationship with West Midlands Police’s homicide investigators and researchers at WMG was crucial to providing the technology and expertise to address real-life problems whilst ultimately saving taxpayers’ money