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Proceeding contribution from Karl Turner (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 27 February 2012. It occurred during Estimates day on Forensic Science Service.


Forensic Science Service

Of course I do—it would be marvellous if money was not lost—but there are two sides to the argument, and I understand that the FSS says that some of that cost can be put down to the restructuring of the service. I am also concerned about the potential for police bias. I am worried that moving forensic work in-house could undermine public trust in our judicial system and create a significant risk of police bias. There will be a clear conflict of interest if the police have to decide what evidence to test while under pressure to secure a conviction. We can see examples of that. The public must have complete trust in our judicial system, but that trust might be compromised by convictions based on forensic science that is no longer perceived to be truly independent.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
541 c94 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Finance Evidence Forensic science Expenditure Private sector Police Research Forensic Science Service Public private partnerships
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk