subject: Forensic Science Service [print this page] Forensic Science Service Forensic Science Service
The breathalyser has been a recognisable piece of police kit for decades, and they aid in catching chancing speeders who put other people's lives in danger. The way they work is to require the driver in question to breath into a tube which records the amount of alcohol on their breath. If they reach a certain level they are escorted back to the local police station and asked to provide a blood sample.
But it seems that since the 20th of February, police forces have been told to stop processing motoring cases and therefore the constabularies are being told to keep the samples on ice until further notice.
This means that in cases where drivers can't give a breath test or want a blood test, it could take up to seven days for their samples to be processed. Blood samples deteriorate after a few days and the worry is that the samples will then be inaccurate and unable to be used after this time.
Plans to axe the forensic science service that are responsible for carrying out these tests were met with derision from victims or crime and blood alcohol prevention supporters. The FSS runs at a loss and were prepared to close one office in Chorley, to focus on their Lambeth premises, but when the government announced the closure they were unable to do so. This is set to cause real difficulties within local forces, as they will have nowhere to test the samples they have taken, making a mockery of the British justice system.
The service has contributed to the prosecution of many well known criminals, as well as managing to keep speeding and dangerous drivers off our roads, and therefore keeping us much safer. Not only will there be a back log if the service is reopened but it means that criminals that would normally have been caught may escape prosecution.
If you are driving on the roads in the UK then make sure you have a valid Car Insurance policy that protects you and your No Claims Bonus in the event of an accident. These are readily available online to save you time.
