UK law enforcement invited to join radio frequency exercise

UK law enforcement agencies which conduct cell site analysis for geolocation using radio frequency propagation surveys (RFPS) are invited to take part in a pilot collaborative learning exercise.

FCN is coordinating the exercise on behalf of the policing and forensic community to help organisations meet new regulatory requirements.

Cell site analysis for geolocation must be accredited to international standards and UK regulations by 2nd October 2025.*

These standards and codes require participation in proficiency testing or collaborative learning programmes, where available.

Collaborative learning involves the organisation, performance and evaluation of tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories or inspection bodies in accordance with predetermined conditions.

Participation in collaborative learning exercises provides a mechanism for teams conducting RFPS to monitor both the validity of their examinations and performance against their own requirements and the performance of other forensic units.

The pilot radio frequency exercise is scheduled to take place between January and March 2024. It is coordinated by FCN with subject matter expertise and support from the College of Policing's Radio Frequency Development Group.

The deadline for expressions of interest to participate is 17th November 2023.

To find out more or to register an EOI please contact the FCN digital forensics team, or email fcndigital@dorset.pnn.police.uk

*Cell site analysis for geolocation is required to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and compliant with the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) Code of Practice by 2nd October 2025.

Both ISO/IEC 17025 (section 7.7 Ensuring Validity of Results) and the FSR Code (section 36 Assuring the Quality of Results) require participation in Proficiency Testing or ILC programmes where these are available.