Forensic Science Service

Forensic Science Service

The Forensic Science Service (FSS) is a government-owned company in the United Kingdom which provides forensic science services to the police forces and government agencies of England and Wales.

The FSS maintains seven laboratories throughout the country, and provides scene-of-crime and forensic investigation staff to the 43 police services in England and Wales, as well as to the Crown Prosecution Service, HM Revenue and Customs, HM Coroners' Service, Ministry of Defence Police and British Transport Police.

The FSS® is the market leader in the supply of forensic science services to police forces in England and Wales, as well as being a source of training, consultancy and scientific support. However, in early 2007, five FSS staff were arrested on charges of industrial espionage for allegedly stealing information related to the working of the NDNA database with the aim of establishing a rival company. The FSS originally maintained the UK National DNA Database, it is now maintained independently from the FSS. The FSS has an unrivalled reputation for the integrity, impartiality and accuracy of its findings.

The FSS suffered damage to its reputation following the failure to recover blood stains from a shoe in the murder of Damilola Taylor while it's main rival LGC Forensics could. [ [http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/damilola-taylor-review-2007 Damilola Taylor: An independent review of forensic examination of evidence by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) | Home Office ] ] Further damage occurred when the FSS failed to use the most up-to-date techniques for extracting DNA samples in cases between 2000 and 2005. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6381969.stm BBC NEWS | UK | Police review criminal DNA cases ] ] This led the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to advise all police forces in England and Wales to review cases where samples had failed to give a DNA profile.

The FSS's innovative and sensitive DNA profiling technique called LCN (low copy number) was used in convicting Antoni Imiela (the M25 rapist) and Ronald Castree (for the murder of Lesley Molseed in 1975), [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7156051.stm BBC NEWS | UK | DNA test halted after Omagh case ] ] but was criticized during the 2007 trial of a suspect in the Omagh bombing. Following this, the use of LCN in the UK was suspended by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The review by the CPS was completed on the 14 January 2008, at which time the suspension was also lifted. [ [http://www.cps.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/101_08.html Review of the use of Low Copy Number DNA analysis in current cases: CPS statement] ] In its press release the CPS stated:

References

* [http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23391084-details/Five+civil+servants+suspended+over+%22DNA+espionage'/article.do Five civil servants suspended over DNA espionage] - The Times
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7154189.stm Verdict raises DNA evidence doubt] – "BBC News"
* [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3080576.ece Case fell on forensic errors and police lies] – "The Times"

External links

* [http://www.forensic.gov.uk/ The Forensic Science Service]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dundee — The Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dundee (PFSLD) was established in April 1989. There are four main departments: Biology, Chemistry, the national DNA Database and Quality/Administration.PFSLD is funded by and serves Central Scotland Police,… …   Wikipedia

  • Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science — The Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science or Statens kriminaltekniska laboratorium (SKL) or is a Swedish government agency of the Department of Justice, tasked with assisting the Swedish police in investigating crimes. The Laboratory… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic archaeology — Forensic archaeology, a forensic science, is the application of archaeological principles, techniques and methodologies in a legal context (predominately medico legal). Forensic archaeologists are employed by police and other agencies to help… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic footwear evidence — Forensic footwear Examiniation is the study of footwear impressions evidence created. Such evidence is used in legal proceedings to determine the identities of persons at the crime scene. Footwear evidence is often the most abundant form of… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic Services — For the government owned forensics company, see Forensic Science Service. Forensic Services (SCD 4) is a unit of the Metropolitan Police of London, England. Part of the Specialist Crime Directorate, their duties range from evidence recovery… …   Wikipedia

  • Science and Technology Select Committee — The Science and Technology Select Committee is a select committee of the House of Commons in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The original Science and Technology was abolished upon the creation of the Innovation, Universities, Science and… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic entomology — is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters. Forensic entomology is primarily associated with death investigations however it may also be used to detect drugs and poisons, determine the location of an… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic entomologist — Forensic entomologists are those involved in the branch of entomology that involves insects and violent crime or the law, known as forensic entomology. This includes three main branches: medicocriminal entomology, urban entomology, and stored… …   Wikipedia

  • Forensic polymer engineering — The study of failure in polymeric products is called forensic polymer engineering. The topic includes the fracture of plastic products, or any other reason why such a product fails in service, or fails to meet its specification. The subject… …   Wikipedia

  • Defence Science and Technology Laboratory — Agency overview Formed 2 July 2001 Preceding agency Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Jurisdiction Un …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”