Forensic science Northern Ireland : fifth report of session 2009-10

Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) is the only forensic science laboratory in Northern Ireland and provides professional, independent and objective scientific expertise in support of justice.

In its 220 staff it has one of the widest ranges of accredited forensic science expertise in Europe.

Inspections by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) in 2005, 2007, and 2009, identified key areas in which FSNI needed to improve if it were to continue to survive in a changing marketplace.

This report examines: staffing; accommodation; relations with the Police Service of Northern Ireland; understanding of forensic science capabilities within the justice system; devolution of policing and justice; cross-border co-operation; and, FSNI's independent status.

The Committee calls for a more flexible recruitment process, praises the performance of FSNI in its inadequate premises, commends its co-operation with its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland and supports the continuation of its independent status.