Specialist forensic science services for the investigation of major crime in support of the police and prosecution
Our specialist team of experienced forensic scientists can assist with major crime cases from, for example, homicide, terrorism and crimes of a sexual nature. Forensic Access is an approved supplier to the NPIA's National Forensic Framework Agreement.
Our team, some of the most experienced forensic scientists in the country, utilise not only their scientific skills but also their investigative skills to support police forces when dealing with major crime cases. We can support the police with the whole major crime case:
- attendance at the crime scene
- attending case conferences
- setting forensic strategies
- examining items in our own laboratories and recovering evidence for analysis, whether it body fluids, DNA, particulates (glass, paint, etc), textile fibres or other trace evidence
- preparing statements and reports as required by the customer
- attendance at Court as an expert witness
Setting forensic strategies, investigation, examination and recovery
Our scientists are particularly experienced at preparing and carrying out robust forensic strategies agreed with the customer. The strategies may involve in-depth examination of items and recovery of evidence such as body fluids and trace evidence and their subsequent analysis and interpretation. We have our own accredited and DNA-secure laboratories in which to undertake these examinations.
We have been particularly successful at recovering and identifying body fluids and other trace evidence in some of the most serious and high profile cases in the country.
Forensic science procurement "product codes"
Our scientists are used to working with the "product codes" of police procurement contracts such as the SWNWW and National Forensic Framework Agreements. We are happy to work within these codes, but it is our belief that these codes do not work particularly well with some major crime cases, and as such, we would discuss with every customer the method of undertaking this work.
Industrial Enquiries
In some cases it is not sufficient just to identify recovered particulates, such as glass, paint, fibres; the actual source of these can prove very important to case. For example, what is the source of a textile fibre? Where was the fibre manufactured? What types of items contain that fibre (clothing, carpets, car seating, etc.)? Is it a common or rare fibre? Excluding certain sources and origins can be just as important as including others.
There are now very few forensic scientists able to assist the police in the scientific aspects of these “industrial enquiries”. We are proud that at Forensic Access we can still and do offer this valuable service.
Scientific “arbiter”
As an independent forensic provider, having served both defence and prosecution, and with forensic experts at the peak of their careers, Forensic Access, on occasion, is called in by the police to act as “scientific arbiter”. This is usually where the prosecution and defence scientists hold very opposing views in a case. We can provide an independent scrutiny and review of the forensic evidence which will usually involve talking to the forensic scientists of both sides and prepare a report following the review.
We are currently working directly for police forces and in support of the police through other forensic providers.
Forensic providers ask us to assist where they have evidence for which we are particularly experienced (such as textile fibres) or where they believe our particular, specialist approach to major crime casework may benefit their cases.
Case Reviews: 28 day reviews, historic and "cold" cases, pre-Court reviews
Forensic Access is particularly experienced (and successful) at undertaking case reviews, either directly for the police, or in support of another forensic provider. Please see our Case Reviews page for more information.
Contact Forensic Access
If you want to find out how we can support your major crime work, please contact Forensic Access.
