HMICS has today (25 April 2023) published an Assurance Review of the Scottish Police Authority’s Forensic Services Toxicology Section followed disclosure that drug driving cases had been marked as ‘no proceedings’ by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. 

Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said:

“I am grateful to HMICS for its Review of the Forensic Toxicology Provision in Scotland. This review was undertaken at my request and at speed when it became apparent that some drug driving cases were not able to proceed to prosecution due to delays with toxicology testing and analysis.

“The introduction of new drug driving legislation in October 2019 was a significant programme of change for Forensic Services. It was clear from the outset that demand for testing had been severely underestimated by all stakeholders. The staff and scientists working in toxicology have worked hard to try and manage this demand. HMICS’s findings and recommendations recognise the need for a long-term strategy and multi-agency approach to address both prevention and prosecution of drug driving cases. It also highlights the need for additional investment and modernisation at our Forensic Services Laboratory in Edinburgh.

“The Authority has already taken a number of steps to strengthen our oversight and scrutiny of Forensic Services and we will review the terms of reference and functionality of our Forensic Services Committee in the forthcoming months. The Authority is working closely with Forensic Services, Police Scotland, the COPFS and Scottish Government to address the constructive recommendations made in this review and drive further improvement in drug driving prosecutions.”

Fiona Douglas, Director of Forensic Services, said:

“SPA Forensic Services are committed to continuous improvement and the delivery of world-class services to the criminal justice system in Scotland. I welcome the HMICS Assurance Review of our Toxicology provision and, in particular, the acknowledgement that Forensic Services staff are committed professionals making a positive contribution to public safety in a pressurised environment. I am very grateful to the Forensic Services scientists and staff who work tirelessly - often without acknowledgement or recognition - to support justice in Scotland.

“I fully support the review’s call for a strategic, joint response to improve the delivery of drug-driving services in Scotland and the requirement for significant future investment in Forensic Services. We will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver the review’s recommendations and ultimately make Scotland’s roads safer from drug driving.”