Training

All CSIs on the Isle of Man attend a 10 week initial CSI course at the Centrex forensic training facility at Harperley Hall, County Durham.

This initial training provides them with a basic knowledge of photography. They are also shown the techniques of developing and recovering fingerprints as well as how to locate and recover forensic evidence.

The training staff ensure that the CSIs are taught the current ‘best practice’ and emphasis is placed on the correct methods of packaging items and exhibiting them for use at court.

CSIs have to pass a number of examinations during this course.

At the successful conclusion of this initial training, the CSIs return to the island and begin to work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.

At this point all CSIs on the Isle of Man undertake the Crime Scene Examination diploma with Durham University. This diploma is a Higher Education qualification and carries 120 credits at level 2 towards a degree. This diploma takes two years to achieve, during which time the CSI is mentored by Detective Sergeant Bell.

The CSI is also encouraged to register with the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners.

Near to the end of this two year period the CSI returns to Harperley Hall for a two week CSI development course. This course re-visits the content of the initial course, to ensure that the lessons have been fully learned, and new concepts and skills are introduced.

Once again, an examination has to be passed at the conclusion of the course. Passing this course is an essential requirement to completing the diploma.

Once trained there are various courses and specialities that the CSI can undertake. Most CSIs on the Isle of Man will take a Crime Scene Managers course at Harperley Hall. This qualification enables them to take control of the CSI issues surrounding a major crime scene.

Further to this is a Crime Scene Co-ordinators qualification. This course is again run by Harperley Hall and qualifies the CSI to oversee the entire forensic strategy at multiple serious crime scenes.

Continuous training and re-accreditation is given to all of our CSIs by undertaking regular CSI refresher courses. These courses help to consolidate ‘best practice’ principles and ensure that their knowledge is current and appropriate.

Once the diploma is achieved, CSIs can apply to take a two year distance learning degree with Teesside University. The degree consists of four modules and a final dissertation and leads to a BSc (hons) in Forensic Investigation. A prerequisite for enrolling on this degree is to hold the diploma in Crime Scene Examination.

Further courses and specialisms are undertaken if necessary and if finances permit. These include courses such as Fire Investigation and Forensic Archaeology.

As can be seen, the emphasis is on training, accreditation and continual improvement, thereby providing a world class forensic service to the Isle of Man.