A ‘failure of leadership’ over forensics

An inspection of police forensics has found there is no strategy in place for their delivery despite a challenging level of demand.

A report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) said the Scottish Police Authority had failed to provide strategic leadership on forensics and had not put an investment plan in place.

Overall the quality of forensic analysis was said to be good even though the service is experiencing a period of “significant change and financial constraint”. But the

service, which is managed and delivered by the SPA, needs ongoing investment, changes in governance and improved leadership, the report said.

It found that no strategy has been in place for the delivery of forensic services in Scotland for over four years, with the SPA and Police Scotland failing to deliver on a number of improvement initiatives.

Gill Imery, assistant inspector of constabulary at HMICS, said: “Forensic services play a key role in supporting the justice system in Scotland in the investigation, detection and prosecution of crime.

“We found forensic services staff at all levels are dedicated and committed to delivering a high quality service. However, it was concerning that our inspection found there has been a lack of progress across improvement areas which were previously highlighted to both the SPA and Police Scotland.

“Serious and major crime investigations receive an excellent level of forensic service, although those delivered to local policing at an investigative stage are often poorer.”

Last week HMICS raised a series of concerns about the overall leadership of the SPA.

Labour justice spokeswoman Claire Baker said: “Once again we have another damning report that finds the SPA lacking leadership.

“There has to be accountability for the continued failings of leadership within the SPA and the Scottish Government.”

SPA board member Nicola Marchant said: “The structure of forensic services has been the subject of ongoing consideration and the direction set out by HMICS is a welcome input to the board’s consideration. However, clearly there are implications and a number of steps required toachievetherecommended approach and this will take time to progress.

“The board has also acknowledged previously that oversight of forensic services can be improved and we have taken steps to strengthen governance and assurance of the function by establishing a dedicated forensic committee.”