New Specialties: Nursing, Drugs and Driving, Radiography

How we define "forensic nursing":

Forensic nurses are registered nurses, who hold a professional recordable qualification granted by their recognised regulatory body; and who are able to demonstrate competence in the science and art of nursing within the criminal justice system.
Forensic nurses provide therapeutic nursing care and clinical examination of people who are , or are alleged to be, the victims or perpetrators of a crime. They undertake nursing assessment, planning delivery and evaluation of care and provide evidence of fact and/or professional opinion in court (orally or in the form of a written report).

"We are delighted that the CRFP register is now open to nurses. This development is a real illustration of the contribution that nurses make to forensic practice. It acts as an important measure of competence and skill and this, we believe, is increasingly being recognised in criminal justice services. We urge nurses who are eligible to apply and in so doing gain a useful credibility in this specialist field."

Annie Norman and Karen Swinson, lead assessors, forensic nursing September 2007.


How we define "drugs and driving"

The sub-specialty 'drugs and driving' is intended to provide registration for those who work in the narrow area of toxicology associated with driving under the influence of drugs. Those registered in this sub-specialty will be involved in the analysis of drugs in driving cases and/ or provide expert evidence on the interpretation of results in driving cases. They are to be distinguished from Forensic Toxicologists who, in addition to being able to undertake such cases, will have demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge in a wider range of case types involving the action of drugs and poisons on human subjects.

How we define "radiography"

A forensic radiographer is a UK state registered practitioner with a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree or a Diploma of the College of Radiographers (DCR) in Diagnostic Radiography who will be fully competent in the production and use of diagnostic imaging techniques to answer questions of law.

They will have current clinical experience as a radiographer (i.e. within the previous 4 months)(I am not sure that we can or should stipulate this - if they are state registered, this means that they will have to be able to show currency of practice - what we are interested in is the forensic application) and will have an appreciation of current developments in this profession. In addition to relevant experience, they will have undertaken formal post graduate training in Forensic Radiography. This may include a post graduate certificate or Masters degree in forensic radiography supplemented with training programmes offered or endorsed by the Association of Forensic Radiographers (AFR).

They will practice in accordance with current legislation regarding the safe use of ionisation radiation in the clinical and forensic setting, namely the (Ionising Radiation [Medical Exposure] Regulations 2000)1, the Ionising Radiation Regulations 19992, The College of Radiographers Statement of Professional Conduct (2004)3 and recommendations of good practice from the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) and the AFR.

They will be fully compliant in general aspects of the forensic investigation with a thorough working knowledge of relevant issues of forensic radiography service provision such as procedures for examination referral, maintaining continuity of evidence, the appropriate witness, creating and appropriate dissemination of all examination documentation, obtaining informed consent, risk assessment, health and safety.