What we do
General FAQs
What is The Forensic Science Service?
The Forensic Science Service® is a trading name of Forensic Science Service Ltd, which is a UK Government owned company (GovCo). It is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading providers of forensic science and technology services, and is the largest one-stop provider in the UK.
Who does the FSS work for?
The FSS provides a national service to police forces across England and Wales, together with other national law enforcement agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, the SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency), Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency, British Transport Police and HM Revenue & Customs.
Because the FSS promotes an impartial, balanced approach in the interpretation of scientific evidence, it is also available to carry out criminal defence work and increasingly is providing an intelligence-led approach to its work for customers.
The FSS has also assisted more than 60 countries worldwide with services including consultancy, training services, systems and databasing technology, and casework. We also assist overseas governments with establishing or enhancing forensic resources, particularly in the field of DNA technology.
Is the FSS part of the police?
No, the FSS is independent from the police service.
Which areas of the country/world do you cover?
The FSS primarily covers England and Wales - but can carry out work across the globe. Our scientists are experienced in helping investigate crimes in other countries, giving evidence in foreign courts, and in consultancy and training work. For more information contact +44 (0) 845 120 7272.
Do you pass on your expertise to other countries?
The FSS is at the forefront of forensic technology and takes part in a wide range of initiatives and partnerships throughout the world to share knowledge and skills. For more information contact +44 (0) 845 120 7272.
Do you only work for the prosecution?
No, the FSS works within the criminal justice system for the defence as well as the prosecution and takes pride in its impartiality.
During 2003/2004, the FSS dealt with 130,000 cases with scientists appearing as expert witnesses in court on some 2,500 occasions.
Does the FSS attend crime scenes?
Yes. During 2004/2005 FSS scientists attended approximately 1,800 crime scenes.
What is DNA?
DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
DNA is the chemical which is found in virtually every cell in the body and which carries genetic information from one generation to the next. The genetic information carried in DNA is in the form of a code or language which, when translated, determines our physical characteristics and directs all the chemical processes in the body.
Except for identical twins, each person's DNA is unique. Half of the DNA is inherited from our father and the other half from our mother.
DNA can be extracted from any cells that contain a structure called the nucleus. This includes blood, semen, saliva or hair samples.
The technology of DNA profiling doesn't yet allow the examination of every single difference between people's DNA. However, techniques used by the FSS look at specific areas of nuclear DNA which are known to vary widely between people. These areas vary in length between different people's DNA. DNA profiling analyses and measures these differences in length.
I want to know more about all the forensic databases within the UK judicial system and the laws that relate to them.
Please contact the Home Office for details of legislation. All legislation can be found at www.hmso.gov.uk/acts.htm
What is The National DNA Database®?
The National DNA Database® (NDNAD) is an intelligence database. It was set up in 1995, following amendments to the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This allowed buccal (mouth) scrapes, criminal justice samples, or rooted hairs, to be obtained for DNA analysis in broadly the same circumstances as fingerprints. The information derived from these can be searched against records held by or on behalf of the police.
I am a student working on my dissertation/project and would like some information on a particular technique/area of forensic science.
We are unable to deal with each individual enquiry. Please refer to the fact sheets and case files section of the website or try our useful links section.
I would like to arrange a school/ college / university visit to the FSS.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate such requests. We do occasionally hold open days at our facilities. Please check press for details.
I have an enquiry about the National DNA Database
For more information about The National DNA Database® including relevant legislation and figures, please contact the Home Office or visit http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/using-science/dna-database/
I would like a representative from the FSS to speak at my school/ careers fair/ conference
Please contact your nearest FSS facility direct (details are available on our Contact Us page). Due to the volume of enquiries for speakers we are not able to accommodate every request.
I have a media enquiry about the NDNAD/ I would like to carry out filming in connection with the database
Please contact the Home Office Press Office on 0207 035 3535