Duncan Thurlwell

Duncan was a Forensic Collision Investigator, operating and holding various roles, within Policing between 1997–2017.  He was responsible for on-scene investigation, vehicle examination, analysis of data, interpretation and evaluation of evidence and production of a comprehensive report for both the Criminal Justice System and the Coronial process.  The final portion of his involvement in the operational delivery of a Forensic Collision Investigation [FCI] service, was as the base supervisor for Essex Police.

As the regional representative for the forces in the 7F region, Duncanwas a member of the Senior Forensic Collison Investigator’s group.  The group created and published best practice guides, which were disseminated across the 43 forces in England and Wales. When the issue of accreditation to BS EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 was first raised within this forum, he volunteered to explore the subject.  Duncan contacted the FSR, UKAS, Transforming Forensics [out of which grew the FCN].  Having recognised the significant challenges for policing, he established contact with other key stakeholders, to generate traction to drive change.  Engagement was made with Members of Parliament, both Commons and Lords, senior members of the judiciary, Chief Coroner, the Department of Transport, Home Office, Association of the Police and Crime Commissioners, the NPCC, Brake and Road Peace.

Forensic Collision Investigation came to the attention of the NPCC and was formalised, as a work strand, in the Specialist Capabilities Programme.  As a result of this, the practitioners group approached the NPCC lead and suggested a collaborative approach to accreditation.  This was agreed and a member of the forum was seconded in a full-time capacity as the Capability Manager. A short time later, Duncan was seconded and joined the SCP team, full-time.  Together, the manager and Duncan visited all 43 forces to apprise staff, from practitioners to NPCC presenting and explaining about the concept, of what was to become the FCIN.