Forensic science facilities

8 May 2008 05:24 PM A new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art, forensic science lab is to be built in Dundee.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today announced that he had approved proposals for the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) to work with developers to acquire a site in Dundee for a new lab to be ready by late 2009.

Mr MacAskill also announced that, he has asked SPSA to look again at the issues that have been raised over the proposed closure of the forensic science lab in Aberdeen and the implications of this for the provision of forensic services to Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary.

In the meantime, no decision will be taken to close the Aberdeen lab.

Kenny MacAskill said:

"The question of how best to provide forensic services to Scotland's eight police forces has been the subject of detailed discussions for several years.

"It is clear that the four existing labs cannot continue to provide a high quality service without substantial new investment. Following careful consideration, I have approved SPSA's proposals for a new build, state-of-the-art lab in Dundee.

"When completed in 2009, this purpose-built facility will greatly enhance the provision of forensic services in Scotland, benefiting the Scottish police service and the wider criminal justice system.

"I am aware of the concerns that have been raised over the possible closure of the Aberdeen lab. That is why I have asked the SPSA to re-examine the issues involved to engage in fresh consultation with interested parties and to let me have further advice. I can confirm that in the meantime no decision will be taken to close the Aberdeen lab.

"I am clear that all eight Scottish police forces, including Grampian and Northern, must receive the best possible forensic service. That is why I have approved SPSA's proposal for a much needed new forensic laboratory in Dundee, replacing the existing cramped and unsatisfactory facility.

"This is an example of the way in which the SPSA can drive and deliver real improvements in the quality and efficiency of police support services."

SPSA Chief Executive David Mulhern said:

"In the SPSA's first year, we have become the first part of the UK to deliver an integrated forensic service from crime scene through to court. Now as we enter year two, we are looking to ensure we have the foundations in place to deliver that integrated service for many years to come.

"The Government has been persuaded by the clear and convincing case put forward for a new build laboratory facility in Dundee. However, the Justice Secretary has asked us to look again at the issues that surround our initial proposal to close the Aberdeen laboratory.

"The Cabinet Secretary is very clear that all of Scotland should benefit from the investment we are making in forensic services - including Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary and the communities they serve. I share that desire and I am determined that everyone who contributes to those services will have their say on how we move forward."

Since April 2007, forensic science services have been provided to all eight Scottish police forces by the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA). At present there are four forensic science laboratories based at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. It is widely recognised that new investment is urgently needed in new, purpose-built facilities.

Ministers have already agreed that a new laboratory should be built as part of the Glasgow Crime Campus to replace the existing Glasgow laboratory. Following a review of forensic facilities, SPSA submitted a Business Case proposing to integrate the Aberdeen and Dundee laboratories into a new-build facility at Dundee.

The Government has agreed that SPSA should work with developers to acquire a site and construct a new facility at Dundee, to be ready by mid-late 2009, but has asked SPSA to look again at the implications for the Aberdeen laboratory and the provision of forensic services to Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary. In the meantime, no decision will be taken to close the existing Aberdeen laboratory.

Subject to the further consideration of the SPSA board, the new Dundee forensic science laboratory could see a significant seven figure investment over a number of years. Figures on projected costs will only be finalised after detailed negotiations with developers. These negotiations would clearly be in commercial confidence until those negotiations are finalised.

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice