OBE for forensic scientist who pioneered bullet prints
A former forensic scientist at Northamptonshire Police has been appointed OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours following his work which has led to the revolutionary technique for uncovering fingerprints from spent bullet cartridges.
A former forensic scientist at Northamptonshire Police has been appointed OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours following his work which has led to the revolutionary technique for uncovering fingerprints from spent bullet cartridges.
Dr John Bond, now at the University of Leicester and a fellow of the department of chemistry, has achieved worldwide impact in tackling cold cases using the innovative technique.
Dr Bond developed a method that enables scientists to visualise fingerprints on metal even after the print itself has been removed.
He and colleagues at the University of Leicester conducted a study into the way fingerprints can corrode metal surfaces. The technique can enhance after firing a fingerprint that has been deposited on a small calibre metal cartridge case before it is fired.
It has attracted interest from many police forces across the world, most notably in the US where Dr Bond has now examined cartridge cases from literally hundreds of cold cases.
Some of these are notorious crimes that have featured on the Americas Most Wanted TV shows and, recently, Dr Bond hosted a visit from the presenter, John Walsh, to learn more about this technique.
He said: I was surprised to receive a letter from the Cabinet Office and now feel honoured and privileged to think that my research has been seen to be worthy of a personal honour from the sovereign.
I hope that colleagues in the chemistry department and, indeed, throughout the university will see this as recognition for the world class forensic science research that Leicester has become renowned for.
At a time when investment in forensic science research is under threat nationally, the fact that the contribution Leicester has made is seen to be worthy of such an honour bodes well for the future of such research not only at Leicester, but throughout the UK.
He joined Northamptonshire Police in 1993 to head the forces Forensic Science Unit. Since then, Dr Bond has become interested in understanding the forensic process and, in recent years, this has led to his involvement with a number of UK universities in the areas of criminology, chemistry and physics, principally with the University of Leicester and, in recognition of this, Dr Bond was made an Honorary Fellow in 2007.
The deputy chief constable of Grampian Police has received the Queens Police Medal (QPM) in honour of 25 years service.
John McNab, who has been deputy since 2007, said: I am genuinely honoured to be receiving such an award. Policing is about teamwork and this award is as much a testament to the hard work of those I have worked with over the last 25 years, as it is to me.
Chief Constable Colin McKerracher said: I am absolutely delighted for John who has truly earned this recognition through years of dedicated, exceptional service. His contribution to Grampian Police and Scottish policing in general has been outstanding.