Provision of Forensic Science Service in England and Wales

Overview of Forensic Science Service

The Forensic Science Service (FSS) was a government-owned company in England and Wales that provided forensic science services to the police forces and government agencies.
It operated from 1990 till 2012 and was one of the largest providers of forensic services in the UK.
FSS’s main purpose was the analysis, evaluation and interpretation of forensic evidence collected from crime scenes.
Services provided by the FSS included DNA profiling, drug identification, toxicology, and firearm examination.

Today, forensic services are provided by a mix of in-house police laboratories, private companies, and government agencies like the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
These providers give vital support in criminal investigations, helping to solve crime by providing evidence that can be used in court.
They have a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and assisting the justice system, processing more than half a million cases a year.
Working in this sector requires a high level of precision, accuracy, and integrity to ensure reliable results.

In England and Wales, all forensic science providers must comply with a range of laws, regulations, and quality standards.
One key standard is the ISO 17025, which sets out the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Other crime scene-specific standards, such as ISO 21043, are also often used to ensure good practice in this field.
Compliance with these standards ensures that forensic evidence is robust, reliable and admissible in court.

With the closure of the FSS, there were concerns about a potential loss of knowledge and expertise in this sector.
The privatisation of forensic services has been controversial, with criticisms related to potential conflicts of interest and quality of services.
Ongoing challenges include budget pressures, technological change, and the need for continuous skill development.
Advances in technology, such as next-generation DNA sequencing and digital forensics, are reshaping the field and offering new capabilities for forensic investigations.

Forensic scientists typically need a degree in a science-related subject to start their career in this field.
They also require specific training which may be provided on-the-job or through professional development courses.
Ongoing training and competency assessments are important to ensure forensic scientists stay up-to-date with the latest methods and technologies.
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences offers a range of training events, professional qualifications and networking opportunities for individuals working in forensic science.