The effective use of Forensic ScienceThe effective use of Forensic Science

Tom NelsonDirector, SPSA Forensic Services20 February 2009

To be a world-class organisation that continually enhances the effectiveness of modern policing for Scotland

To work closely with our partners and stakeholders to provide expert policing and support services to Scotland’s eight police forces and criminal justice community

To be a world-class organisation that continually enhances the effectiveness of modern policing for Scotland

To work closely with our partners and stakeholders to provide expert policing and support services to Scotland’s eight police forces and criminal justice community

Our Vision & Purpose Our Vision & Purpose

Knowledge!Knowledge!

• You need to know:– when a crime has been committed. – what forensic science can do for you. – what you are wanting.

• We need to know:– what information you have about the

crime –the propositions.– more about the investigative process

Knowledge!Knowledge!

• You need to know:– when a crime has been committed. – what forensic science can do for you. – what you are wanting.

• We need to know:– what information you have about the

crime –the propositions.– more about the investigative processKnowledge transfer is the key

It all begins at the scene!It all begins at the scene!

• Getting it right -1st time.

• Preservation of evidence/cordon.• Scene log/note taking (1st officer)/CSM.• Scene assessment (COPFS/ACPOS/SPSA/Others).

• Scene examination, photography, evidence recovery

Lost OpportunitiesLost Opportunities

- low yield scenes / training

- appropriate assessments & requests?

- Is “call SPSA” an automatic option ?

What can Forensic Science do for you?What can Forensic Science do for you?

• Fingerprints – • DNA –

• Trace evidence –

–fibres, glass, paint accelerants…….

What is Quality?What is Quality?

• Fitness for purpose (FFP)– Not the Rolls Royce– Not belt and braces

• Balancing requirements and capability

• I also need to balance a finite resource against competing demands

Maximise Forensic ImpactMaximise Forensic Impact

• Investigative (intelligence)– Biometrics DNA / Fingerprints– Drug cutting agents / profiling -MPhil– Personal touch!! –cannabis factories

• Evaluative (Interpretation)- case analysis

• Just In Time (Police/COPFS)

– Productions, results and reports

How can we do better?How can we do better?

• Propagation of new scientific developments.

• Better communications both internal and external.

• Working together throughout the whole CJS (end to end).

• Knowledge of what impact FS has - investment /outcomes (SPSA/COPFS/ACPOS).