Force invests in forensic centre

West Midlands Police has recently invested more than £5 million in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art centre that will house all forensic services.

The site, at a discreet location in Birmingham, will house all services around fingerprints, DNA, footwear and all other forensic evidence. New services will also be available including on-site scientists and new facilities for managing large scene crime exhibits such as cars. The whole forensic process will be streamlined, ensuring that evidence and testing in support of investigations is done as fast and efficiently as possible.

Superintendent Derek Forest, head of Scientific Support and lead officer for forensic services, aims to have the centre fully operational by March, although the first teams have already started to move in.

He said: “This is the first forensic centre of its kind to be developed by a UK police force. West Midlands Police are right at the cutting edge of forensic and technological services, which can be used to support the investigation of the widest possible range of crimes.”