1 Introduction
1. Crime is estimated to cost the UK economy around
£50 billion each year.[1]
Forensic science is a vital instrument for the detection and deterrence
of crime, and the administration of justice. In the UK, around
85% of forensic services are delivered by the Forensic Science
Service (FSS). On 17 July 2003 the then Home Secretary, Rt. Hon.
David Blunkett MP, announced the Government's intention to develop
the FSS as a public-private partnership (PPP).[2]
The decision was welcomed by the management of the FSS, but greeted
with dismay by the trade unions representing the majority of FSS
staff.
2. We announced our inquiry into forensic science
on 21 July 2004. Our aim was to investigate the likely impact
of the Government plan to develop the Forensic Science Service
as a public-private partnership on the competitiveness of the
FSS and on the effective provision of forensic science services
to the criminal justice system. We also sought to examine the
quality of forensic science education and training and the supply
of skilled personnel in forensic science; levels of investment
in forensic science R&D; and the use of forensic science,
including novel forensic technologies, in criminal investigations
and court proceedings. We have concerned ourselves with the criminal
justice system in England and Wales only and have not addressed
the systems in Scotland or Northern Ireland, or the use of forensic
evidence by HM Customs and Excise.
3. In the course of this inquiry we held five oral
evidence sessions, during which we heard from:
- Home Office officials and the
FSS;
- The Council for the Registration of Forensic
Practitioners, the Forensic Science Society, private sector providers
and trade unions;
- The Association of Chief Police Officers and
academics;
- The Crown Prosecution Service, the Bar Council
and a Crown Court judge; and
- The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for
Reducing Organised and International Crime, Police Science and
Technology, Anti-Drugs Co-Ordination and International and European
Issues.
The transcripts of these sessions are published with
this Report, together with the 34 written submissions received
in response to our call for evidence and requests for supplementary
information. We are grateful to all those who have contributed
to this inquiry and would also like to place on record our thanks
to our specialist advisers: David Blakey, formerly one of Her
Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary; and Professor David Barclay,
formerly Head of Physical Evidence, National Crime and Operations
Faculty.
1 Safety in Numbers, Audit Commission, 1998 Back
2
17 Jul 2003: Column 62WS Back
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