THE privatisation of forensic services following the closure of the independent state-run Forensic Science Service (FSS) in 2012 is a ‘threat to justice’ and putting the work in police hands via their forensic laboratories would be ‘disastrous’, warn experts.

When the liberty of citizens is at stake we as a society need to be sure that our forensic evidence is of the highest standard, not the cheapest, and above all, independent.

I share the concern of the National Audit Office that criminal trials could collapse because of a potential failure to supply courts with DNA and scientific evidence following spending cuts and the Government’s troubled privatisation of forensic science services.

The MPs warned that “the Government was focusing on the financial bottom line” rather than an effective forensic science service.

In the face of budget cuts, the NAO found that police were tailoring their requests for forensic work rather than ordering a range of tests.

We need evidence to be impartial, rather than simply fit a prosecution case.

I am sure that if any of us were to be accused of a crime we would want to be assured that the evidence was of a high standard rather than a quick bargain basement quality.

Every cut potentially lessens the quality of our society and therefore we do need to ensure that our politicians take heed of the consequences of their actions.

Lee Dalton

Rylands Nook

Fairview Road

Weymouth