based on best practise. The introduction of the CRFP is aiming to raise the standard of practise and credibility within the forensic departments who work alongside law enforcement agencies. In 2009, the Forensic Science Regulator argued that the CRFP was surplus to requirements, and consequently the CRFP closed its doors on 31 March 2009. At an Extraordinary General Meeting the Board of the CRFP decided the organisation could no longer fulfil its objects and therefore resolved that the company should cease trading. The key factors in this were given as: 1. the decision of the Chief Executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency communicated in a letter of 4 February 2009 that he was “not currently prepared to authorise the release of any money to the CRFP for the 2009/2010 financial year” 2. the circular letter to all chief constables issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers Forensics Portfolio holder and the Chief Executive of the National Policing Improvement Agency dated 6 January 2009 strongly encouraging police forces “to review their future commitment to CRFP registration and the financial commitment that this requires” and 3. the consequent decision of the Metropolitan Police Service, communicated in a letter dated 2 February 2009, that “the MPS from 1 April 2009 will cease to fund subscription of MPS staff that wish to register for CRFP and will remove CRFP registration as a condition for pay progression” and 4. the decision of the Home Office, communicated in a letter dated 31 February 2009, that they “can see no basis to commit the further £175,000 of public money requested by the CRFP”. Entrance requirements vary between individual forces - most expect candidates to possess at least good GCSEs or A levels. Good photographic ability is essential and a qualification in photography can prove advantageous. Possession of a physics or forensic science-related qualification at any level can also be helpful. Operations SOCOs examine crime scenes ranging from criminal damage to burglary to homicide, although the forensic science provider for the particular police force in question will often be called in to deal with the more complex forensic opportunities that arise during homicide investigations. The average day for a SOCO involves dealing with victims of crime amongst members of the public, photographing injuries to victims of assault, and examining crime scenes. Most police forces operate an "on call" system. This means that out of office hours