CACI Proficiency Testing

Overview

Proficiency testing (PT) is a requirement under the Forensic Science Regulator code of practice and ISO 17025. PT is defined under the code as 'The determination of the testing performance of a forensic unit, i.e. tests to evaluate the competence of practitioners and the quality performance of the forensic unit'. The external provider of PT provide materials that would simulate case data and would test our abilities as a lab in answering the questions provided. This would allow us to find weaknesses in our processes/tools/methods and as such would enable the unit to operate more effectively and produce more reliable results. This benefits victims of crime and the wider criminal justice system. Lincs DFU currently hold FSR compliance and accreditation, with CACI the current provider of PT but this is due for renewal in May 2025. This was after the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom (UKAS), raised a finding about our lack of PT. The requirements include both having a 4-year plan for PT and this being implemented, however this can be purchased on a yearly basis or a contract covering the next 4 years. The quoted cost is £8k / year or £30k over 4 years. These costs were previously paid from the accreditation budget (Project DeVa), with funds transferred back to the Crime budget 25/26.