2006 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Forensic Science Laboratory
Sheila Willis
FSL – Ireland's CSI?

The Forensic Science Laboratory is the closest real world system to the popular television programme CSI. However, there is no direct equivalent to the fiction situation because in reality a number of specialists play the parts portrayed on television. The Laboratory is an associated office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It offers a full scientific service to An Garda Síochána in the investigation of crime. Trained members of AGS examine the scenes and submit the samples to the FSL. The results of the examinations carried out in the Laboratory are frequently presented as oral evidence in contested criminal cases. Thus the Laboratory is part of an overall process beginning at the scene of crime and finishing when a case is disposed of at court.

There are approximately 70 staff in the Laboratory - the vast majority of whom hold scientific qualifications.

The Laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 standard, the scope of which covers the majority of the range of analyses routinely carried out.

The types of cases examined range from contravening the Misuse of Drugs Acts to cases of murder, sexual assault, traffic accidents and arson. The types of analyses include drugs and explosives, paint, glass, soil, and body fluids. On some occasions the actual identification of a material is important such as in the case of controlled drugs while in other cases, comparisons with reference materials is needed. In the latter case, it is then necessary to assess the significance of the matching materials in the context of the circumstances of the case and the frequency of occurrence of the material.

The Laboratory is active in the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes. The working groups in which staff are active gives a flavour of the range of types of work of the Laboratory — DNA, Drugs, Explosives, Fibres, Firearms, Fire and Explosion Investigation, Forensic Information Technology, Marks, Paint and Scene of Crime. In addition a senior member serves on the Quality and Competence standing committee and the Director chairs the EAFS Standing Committee.

The Laboratory may be far removed from the world of television but the vital part it plays in the criminal justice system and the diversity of the science areas routinely used makes it a dynamic workplace.

Contact: Dr Sheila Willis,
Forensic Science Laboratory,
Garda Headquarters,
Phoenix Park,Dublin 8.
Tel. 01-6662910