What is a 'forensic practitioner'?

The word 'forensic' means 'to do with the law courts'. Forensic practitioners investigate and/or evaluate potential evidence in criminal or civil court cases.

The register is a list of forensic practitioners who have demonstrated to us that they are currently competent in one or more forensic specialties. We register forensic practitioners who are:

• using professional skills to provide evidence in connection with cases which may go to court,

• practising in their own name, providing and signing professional reports and statements,

• in active practice - that is, not simply managing or supervising the work of others.

Forensic practitioners are often confused with expert witnesses. The term 'expert witness' has a particular legal meaning. Expert witnesses provide opinions based on highly specialised knowledge and experience. Some forensic practitioners are expert witnesses in this sense, but our definition of forensic practice stretches beyond this.

In some specialties forensic practitioners apply their academic knowledge to the examination of evidence. A background in chemistry, for example, is the basis for analysing traces of paint, glass or even explosives. Other specialties, like fingerprint examination, require specialist training but do not develop from a particular academic background.

Usually there are many forensic practitioners working in the same field. They form distinct professional groups, often employed full-time in their specialty - unlike most expert witnesses. Each group has its own skill set. Each group is unique.

Every forensic practitioner is responsible for their own work. We do not register companies or organisations en bloc.