FORENSIC SERVICES DIRECTORS REPORT

Members considered the report which provided an update on the recent key activities across Forensic Services. Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper and the appendices relating to nitazenes in Scotland and working for Forensic Services.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members questioned if there were any pressure areas identified and any short-term responses. FDouglas responded that partners have to be better at sharing data and cited the NHS and prisons as examples of organisations who have large amounts of data. Members heard the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Centre are due to be leading a discussion on how address barriers for sharing data. DCCSmith agreed more is required in sharing data and preventative work to support those affected by drugs.
• Members sought assurance that the new upcoming six-month statutory testing time limit for drug driving could be adhered to. FDouglas confirmed she had high confidence in Section 5a cases as these are already working to the reduced statutory testing time limit. FDouglas reported that Forensic Services and Police Scotland continue to work together on sample transfers and are making good progress, and that the MOU will be refreshed to tighten timescales.

Members noted the report.