Environmental forensics: the case for professional registration

The origins and purpose of the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) is described, and its emergence as the primary source of assurance of the current professional competence of forensic practitioners is demonstrated. While the main emphasis of CRFP thus far is within the criminal justice system, its approach and principles are equally applicable to civil courts, tribunals, arbitrations and like legal contexts. The case is made for those engaged in environmental forensic work to come within the scope of CRFP with resultant benefits to practitioners, their employers and the public at large.