Royal College of Podiatry publishes Forensic Podology Code of Practice
The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) - working together with leading experts - has published the first code for forensic podologists working in the UK.
The Forensic Podology Code of Practice is a set of guidelines for forensic podologists, ensuring the reliability and integrity of forensic podology evidence in criminal investigations.
The Code of Practice aims to minimise miscarriages of justice by providing forensic podologists with guidelines on best practices, professional responsibilities and procedural standards.
Forensic podology is a subset of forensic podiatry; it involves the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of features associated with the functioning foot in crime scene investigations.
In 2017, the RCPod's Forensic Podiatry Specialist Advisory Group (FPSAG) collaborated with the UK Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) to develop standardised forensic practice guidelines.
Following the 2019 publication of the Code of Practice for Forensic Gait Analysis, a working group from FPSAG and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) drafted the Forensic Podology Code of Practice. The FSR’s representative and the CSFS have both accepted the document.
Additionally, the document aligns with the FSR Code of Practice, Criminal Procedure Rules, and Criminal Practice Directions.
Given that Health and Care Professions Council regulations alone are insufficient for ensuring forensic quality, this code provides additional oversight.
Lawrence Ambrose, the RCPod's Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
“This is a key document for forensic podologists and indeed anybody considering a career in forensic podology. It’s the result of significant collaboration between our own Forensic Podiatry Specialist Advisory Group and global experts in the field. Ensuring there is a clear code specific for forensic podology will further aide those using these specialists in the pursuit of justice.”
Forensic podologists working within the Criminal Justice System of England and Wales are expected to adhere to this guidance to maintain evidentiary integrity and credibility in court proceedings.
This Code of Practice document ensures forensic podology remains a robust and scientifically sound discipline within forensic science.
You can read the full Forensic Podology Code of Practice here
Download a shorter Easy Read version of the Forensic Podology Code of Practice here