The market future for forensic science services in England and Wales

The creation of a competitive market to provide Forensic Science Services (FSSs) to the police within England and Wales has resulted in some notable gains but current trends are now attracting predictions of potential disaster. This article describes the background to the present arrangements and provides an analysis of predicaments exacerbated by the closure of the FSS—namely the regulatory gap, the justice deficit, market instability, and threats to research and development. Drawing on Gallop’s professional experience as a forensic scientist and both authors’ involvement in the Independent Police Commission, this article argues that a free market will inevitably result in compromises to the criminal justice system. Suggestions are posed for a managed market to avert disaster.