Forensic Services Director's Report

Members considered the report which detailed recent activities within Forensic Services. Fiona Douglas (FDouglas) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members sought further comment on the long-term substantiable model. FDouglas responded that there was a stable provision of insource and outsource drug driving capability, providing a strong position in the short term. As Police Scotland’s long-term ambition is to increase the roll out of roadside testing, a long-term sustainable model is required to grow capacity to meet demand increase and to help understand the prevalence of drug driving. Options are being developed along with ongoing work to understand demand, all considering HMICS recommendations.
• Members asked for more detail on the new operating model. FDouglas replied that it was transformative as instead of Forensic Services being structured around disciplines, the responsibilities and flexibility of the organisation will be maximised. The new model would provide efficiencies and speed up responses to meet local policing demands. Members sought assurance that the risk of transformation activity impacting business as usual was being mitigated and heard the new operating model had impacted all staff and risks have been identified in relation to service delivery against transformation. FDouglas assured Members the key focus of the organisation is to manage business as usual, and identified risks are being mitigated through the Programme Management function and phased implementation. FDouglas acknowledged pace is slower than set out in the Full Business Case which was due to investment not being fully available.
• Members sought comment on Forensic Services compliance with the Biometrics Code of Practice. FDouglas confirmed the Code of Practice was welcomed, and the Commissioner’s confidence in Forensic Service’s compliance was positive. Members were assured work was ongoing to ensure biometric data was managed correctly, and to proceduralise certain aspects of forensic work.
• The Chair sought comment on the capital programme and any technology which might transform the service. FDouglas confirmed technology roadmaps were being produced to help ascertain how technology can enhance forensic work. Members were assured Forensic Services try to follow pace of technology change, however there was a nervousness of AI within science, due to regulations and accreditation. With regards to investment, FDouglas emphasised there is expensive equipment within Forensic Services, so investment is needed in the rights things and in a joined-up approach.
• Members were informed work continues to consider apprenticeships and other alternative ways of training.

The Authority RESOLVED to:
• NOTE the report.