Forensic Services provides the whole service from the crime scene, through search, recovery, and analysis, to the court, reporting evidence in Scotland. This ‘integrated provision’ ensures impartiality and integrity – key values in the criminal justice system. There is a ‘sterile corridor’ between Forensic Services and Police Scotland.

The Forensic Services crime-scene-to-court model is unique and robust. The Director of Forensic Services reports to the Chair of the Scottish Police Authority. Oversight is given by the Authority’s Forensic Services Committee. This was established in October 2018. It scrutinises the work done by Forensics Services and it is open to the public to observe.