Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the average time taken for fingerprint analysis to be carried out by the Forensic Science Service at the request of the police. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time taken for fingerprint analysis to be carried out by the Forensic Science Service at the request of the police. [44166] Mr. Michael: It should be remembered that the Forensic Science Service (FSS) is involved in a minority of cases, where the technology is complex and technical/chemical enhancement of fingerprints is requested, not in the vast bulk of routine cases. The average turn around time (taken over the year 1997-98) is 50 days. Where a result is needed urgently, the FSS endeavours to respond accordingly and fast-track responses are included in these overall figures.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44166; 313 c435W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Fingerprints Forensic science Identification of criminals Forensic Science Service
Contains statistics: Yes