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Written question asked by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2025. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Friday, 28 November 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.


Police: Forensic Science

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of police force forensic analysis capacity and completion times in England.

Answer

Forensic turnaround times currently vary with discipline. Time taken by forces to examine digital devices for example varies considerably, but urgent requests are always prioritised.

Chief Constables, and ultimately Police and Crime Commissioners, are currently responsible for forensics procurement and delivery, with some regional coordination. We are exploring the creation of a specialist national capability for police forensics, within the proposed National Centre for Policing, and have recruited a Director of Forensic Services to stabilise and reform forensics in the meantime.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
92159
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Forensic science Police Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk