MSP backs forensic lab review

CONTROVERSIAL plans to reorganise Scotland's police forensic laboratories, which could mean closure of the Edinburgh lab, have been backed by SNP Lothians MSP Ian McKee.

Options for a shake-up of the current four forensic labs included one which would see the Capital base shut and another which would mean it was retained to provide urgent fingerprint or drug analysis, but with most work transferred to Dundee and Glasgow. After a meeting with Tom Nelson, director of forensic services for the Scottish Police Services Authority, Dr McKee said: "The SPSA's review is motivated by the need to improve forensic delivery across Scotland, and with the current financial pressures, it couldn't have come at a better time.

"Service redesign is happening right across the public sector and forensic services cannot be exempt. However, it's understandable that there is some concern among forensic scientists about the prospect of closing the Edinburgh laboratory. Any decision must get the right balance between service delivery and cost effectiveness."

He said he was reassured there would be no compulsory redundancies and some staff would continue to work in Edinburgh even if the closure went ahead.