1. The effective use of Forensic Science Tom Nelson Director, SPSA Forensic Services 20 February 2009

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 transfer is the key

5. It all begins at the scene! Getting it right -1 st time. Preservation of evidence/cordon. Scene log/note taking (1 st officer)/CSM. Scene assessment (COPFS/ACPOS/SPSA/Others). Scene examination, photography, evidence recovery

6. Lost Opportunities -low yield scenes / training -appropriate assessments & requests? - Is “call SPSA” an automatic option ?

7. What can Forensic Science do for you? Fingerprints – DNA – Trace evidence – –fibres, glass, paint accelerants…….

8. 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

9. Maximise 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

10. 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).