News
01-March-2006 - Lord Stevens opens new facilities for LGC
Forensics in support of modern policing
LGC Forensics showcases its expanded forensic facilities in the
North West
LGC Forensics, a division of science service company LGC,
officially opened its new Specialist Services facilities at The
Heath in Runcorn, Cheshire on 28 February 2006.
Lord Stevens, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, opened
the new facilities, which are extensively equipped to analyse fire
debris, and chemical traces and marks including footwear marks,
glass and paint from crime scenes. The new labs were brought to
life at the opening event for guests from UK police forces in a
case study, which followed the analysis of items including DNA and
firearms involved in a burglary.
On opening the facilities for LGC Forensics, Lord Stevens said:
"With the ever-present threat of terrorism and other challenges
in modern policing, responsive and intelligent support from
forensic science providers is now a necessity, not an option.
Specialist services such as those I have opened for LGC Forensics
in chemical traces and marks embody this vital
relationship."
LGC Forensics also formally opened an additional Digital Crime
Unit in Runcorn, which specialises primarily in the forensic
analysis of mobile phones and computers.
Commenting on the expansion in the services offered to police,
fire investigators and other law enforcement agencies, Dr Angela
Gallop, Director, LGC Forensics, said: "The addition of these
purpose-built new laboratories significantly enhances the capacity
of LGC Forensics to serve customers in this rapidly evolving
market, particularly those forces based in the North
West."
The new facilities for digital crime and chemical traces and
marks augment existing expertise at Runcorn in forensic drugs,
toxicology and DNA analysis. Combined with the facilities at
Risley, North West forces now have the full range of forensic
services available locally. LGC Forensics currently serves the UK
with complex and rapid forensic science support from the facilities
in Cheshire and, on a wider scale, from Teddington, Culham,
Tamworth and a specialist firearms facility within the Royal
Armouries, Leeds.
Notes to Editors