The effective use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes in Scotland

The use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes has grown significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, a number of key reports published in England and Wales have identified important factors which affect the use of forensic science. A review of this literature has evidenced a set of common recurring themes which are shown to hinder the effectiveness of its use. No research of this kind has been carried out in Scotland. This research investigated the knowledge and perception of the use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes in Scotland. A self-administered survey was designed and distributed to the two largest police forces in Scotland (Strathclyde Police and Lothian and Borders Police) and the Scottish Police Services Authority Forensic Services (SPSA FS) units situated in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. Approximately 400 surveys were distributed and a return rate of 68% was achieved. This research has identified that the effective use of forensic science in Scotland is affected by number of important factors. Factors such as a lack of communication and poor information exchange, timeliness, limited forensic training and poor forensic knowledge, inadequate interagency relationships and poor use and deployment of resources hinder criminal investigations. The varied perception of crime scene examiners (CSEs) was also found to be important. Better understanding of the role of forensic science as well as how the interactions - the communication, the collaboration, and the mutual exchange of knowledge and information - between investigative organisations affect its use are considered by this research.The use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes has grown significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, a number of key reports published in England and Wales have identified important factors which affect the use of forensic science. A review of this literature has evidenced a set of common recurring themes which are shown to hinder the effectiveness of its use. No research of this kind has been carried out in Scotland. This research investigated the knowledge and perception of the use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes in Scotland. A self-administered survey was designed and distributed to the two largest police forces in Scotland (Strathclyde Police and Lothian and Borders Police) and the Scottish Police Services Authority Forensic Services (SPSA FS) units situated in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. Approximately 400 surveys were distributed and a return rate of 68% was achieved. This research has identified that the effective use of forensic science in Scotland is affected by number of important factors. Factors such as a lack of communication and poor information exchange, timeliness, limited forensic training and poor forensic knowledge, inadequate interagency relationships and poor use and deployment of resources hinder criminal investigations. The varied perception of crime scene examiners (CSEs) was also found to be important. Better understanding of the role of forensic science as well as how the interactions - the communication, the collaboration, and the mutual exchange of knowledge and information - between investigative organisations affect its use are considered by this research