South Wales Joint Scientific Investigation Unit

The South Wales Joint Scientific Investigation Unit (Welsh: Uned Ymchwilio Gwyddonol ar y Cyd De Cymru) is a specialist forensic police unit established in April 2012.[1] It specialises in analysis of drugs, glass, fingerprints, digital crime scenes, ballistics, trace evidence, and forensic samples.[1]

South Wales Joint Scientific Investigation Unit
Uned Ymchwilio Gwyddonol ar y Cyd
Agency overview
Formed2012
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionBridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan unitary authority areas, UK
Joint South Wales / Gwent Police area marked as 4 and 2
Size2,074 km²
Operational structure
HeadquartersBridgend
Website
www.south-wales.police.uk

The SWJSIU is based in Bridgend.[2] It is funded by and serves South Wales Police and Gwent Police, independent from the Forensic Science Service of England and Wales.[3]

The unit is the only one of its kind in the UK able to undertake glass investigation, which will involve examining fragments of smashed glass for forensic evidence,[1] and exports copies to the UK National DNA Database. It is also one of only three to have a "metal vacuum deposition room",[1] to obtain fingerprints from smooth surfaces such as carrier bags and glass.[1]

The SWJSIU was launched after the closure of the nearby government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS) regional laboratory in Chepstow.[2]

The department is a Centre of Excellence and is obtaining ISO accreditation.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Police team up to speed CSI work". BBC News. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Police Launch A Joint Scientific Investigation Unit As Part Of The Government's Collaboration Proposals". AberdareOnline. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  3. ^ Jacques, Paul (12 April 2012). "Welsh forces launch joint scientific investigation unit". Police Professional. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
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