Request

Your request for information dated 8 January 2026 is copied below.

Please provide the information set out below in relation to staff whose primary role is within forensic-related departments, including but not limited to crime scene investigation, forensic science laboratories, quality/R&D, and associated support functions. 

I am aware that the Scottish Police Authority has published workforce data for 2023/24, including information on the overall number of forensic staff (see: https://www.spa.police.uk/spa-media/rsijcdj1/annual-review-2023-24.pdf). This published data is helpful for context; however, it does not provide sufficient breakdown or detail specific to forensic roles. I am therefore requesting the latest available workforce and EDI data broken down for forensic services, as set out below.

Snapshot date 

Please provide data based on the latest available headcount snapshot for the most recently completed year-end prior to the date this request is received. If a year-end snapshot is not held, please use the nearest available date and state the date used.

Definitions 

Forensic services/CSI unit refers to staff whose substantive post (or cost centre/department code) sits within the force function responsible for crime scene investigation, fingerprints, forensic submissions/management, and forensic quality management (often titled Forensic Services, CSI, Scenes of Crime, or similar). 

1. Workforce size (counts only)

1a) Overall workforce 

• For the forensic services/CSI unit, please provide:
• Total headcount
• Total FTE (if held)

1b) Headcount (and FTE if held) by role group 

Using the closest equivalent groupings you already use, please provide headcount (and FTE if held) mapped where possible to the following categories:  

• CSI/SOCO/Crime Scene Investigator
• Crime Scene Manager/Supervisor
• Reporting Scientist/ Laboratory Officer/ Forensic Apprentice
• Police officers with forensic responsibilities
• Forensic submissions/case submission/evidence management / office-based forensic support
• Quality/technical support
• Management/leadership within forensic services
• Administrative/business support within forensic services
• Other

Where any specific job title or subgroup contains fewer than 5 individuals, please combine it into a broader category to protect anonymity. 

2. Workforce demographics (aggregated, low-risk)

For the same unit and snapshot date, please provide aggregated headcount totals only (no individual-level data) by role group where possible, or at unit level if role-level breakdown would risk disclosure: 

2a) Sex (as recorded in your HR system)  

2b) Age band (using your standard age bands) 

2c) Ethnicity (using your standard ethnicity reporting categories)  

Please also provide aggregated counts for any other Equality, Diversity and Inclusion characteristics that you routinely publish in workforce statistics (for example disability status or gender identity), where disclosure is possible. 

To minimise any risk of identification, I am not seeking any breakdown by named teams, locations, or individuals; please apply your standard statistical disclosure control measures and indicate where they have been used, including suppressing or aggregating any cell containing fewer than five individuals (for example by reporting “<5” or combining categories into “Other”).  

3. Pay gap metrics (metrics only, not raw pay)

Provide the latest gender and ethnicity pay gap metrics for staff in forensic services/CSI unit, using your standard methodology (mean/median pay gaps, bonus gaps). If not held at unit level, please confirm.