Northumbria University Centre for Evidence and Criminal Justice Studies (NCECJS) – Written evidence (FRS0038)

Despite global standard-setting achievements in recent years (e.g. the introduction of independent accreditation and the quality assurance regulation, and casework on the use of chemical weapons) and irrespective of ownership (i.e. provision via the market or public sector laboratories such as the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)), there are major concerns about the sustainability of high quality forensic science and technology. Much of the concern arises from a pronounced decline in funding and procurement practices that are incapable of distinguishing between cost and value. The underlying cause, however, is organisational fragmentation: narrowly focused public service priorities and responsibilities with little or no space for independent scientific and legal influence over resource allocation and policy making, or even a balanced consideration of the bigger picture.