News
05-Dec-2005 - Forensic service provider LGC welcomes transition
of the Forensic Science Service to a GovCo
LGC’s forensic division, incorporating Forensic Alliance,
announces plans for 2006
LGC welcomes the announcement that the FSS has changed its
status from a Government Trading Fund to a commercial company –
Forensic Science Service® – albeit wholly owned by Government
in the first instance.
Dr Angela Gallop, Director of LGC’s Forensic Services division,
commented: "The Government’s decision to take this initial step
towards full privatisation of Forensic Science Service®
reflects the enormous success that competition has brought to
forensic science – a process in which we have been very proud to
take a lead. It is a tribute to the skill and dedication of our
scientists who have proved time and again how it is possible to
align quality and professionalism with the disciplines of business
to provide powerful new services in support of justice.
"In line with the recommendations of the Science and
Technology Committee in the report ‘Forensic Science on Trial’, we
particularly welcome the revision of the custodian arrangements for
national forensic databases. This will ensure equality in the
emerging forensic science market and thereby bring added impetus in
its continued development. Chief amongst the enormous benefits of
competition already delivered to the criminal justice system are
faster and more cost effective analyses, an extended range of
quality products and services, and more innovative approaches to
crime solving through inspired management and focused
R&D."
Lord Stevens, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and
Non-Executive Director, LGC, added: "The FSS announcement comes
at a time when the Home Office is launching a new initiative to
standardise forensic science procurement across all forces in
England and Wales. This is a very welcome development, which will
ensure healthy competition and value for money. This measure
further acknowledges the vital and essential importance of forensic
science in the detection and prevention of crime. It was in this
context and to assist the process by ensuring police have a choice
of forensic science supplier across the regions, that LGC acquired
Forensic Alliance in August 2005. LGC and Forensic Alliance are now
merging operations to create the necessary capacity and range of
services to compete at all levels."
A series of important new initiatives will be formally announced
by LGC in 2006 including:
- New crime investigation facilities at Runcorn and Tamworth – in
support of local forces in the North West and Midlands
respectively;
- An integrated forensic pathology service supporting the
restructuring of forensic pathology services by the Home Office –
incorporating the first histopathology laboratory within a forensic
science laboratory;
- A specialist firearms facility embedded as the National
Firearms Centre within the Royal Armouries at Leeds – with
immediate access to the Armouries’ expertise, professional
connections and extensive collections of guns and ammunition for
test fires.
Notes to
Editors