In December 2009 ENFSI submitted a project proposal to the EC called Sustainable Quality Within European Forensic Science (SQWEFS) . The proposal was accepted by the EC in December 2010 by the official signing of the Grant Agreement. ENFSI’s first “Monopoly Programme” started in January 2011 and ran until December 2013.
The “Monopoly Programme” 2009 (MP2009) as the project is called within ENFSI promoted the exchange and dissemination of best practice in the critical area of quality standards within European forensic science. Further, common standards are essential to facilitate the ready exchange of forensic information in fighting international crime. The project also aimed to engage with those using forensic information (the law enforcement community) to develop guidance for their forensic education and training (E&T) to promote their better understanding and better use of forensic science.
The overall project MP2009 took place over 36 months and involved 17 participating organisations (mainly European forensic institutes). Furthermore, the project aimed on working closely with other organisations: ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), EA (European Cooperation for Accreditation), National Accreditation Bodies, Eurachem, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police officers.
The overall project had 7 activity areas (sub-projects):
In addition, over-arching work will develop a conceptual model for sustainable quality in European forensic science. This will aim to provide a framework for future development and will address:
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the continued development of shared documentation relating to quality matters;
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mechanisms for supporting Europe-wide adoption of best practice and rapid progress towards accreditation in all forensic areas;
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approaches for monitoring progress in achieving widespread forensic quality standards and the long-term maintenance of these standards.