by Mary Graham

mgraham@thekmgroup.co.uk

Forensic crime testing in Kent is to be carefully examined to see if it can transfer 50 miles away to mid-Essex.

The outcome of a new police consultation could mean evidence being sent across the border to be analysed and tested - and the loss of around 30 jobs.
Kent Police’s consultation, which began this month, affects staff working in forensic services and its chemical laboratory.

Even though Essex staff are not part of the consultation, Kent’s force stressed no decisions had yet been made.

The fingerprint team and the chemical laboratory is based at Kent Police’s Sutton Road headquarters in Maidstone.

The idea the lab could be relocated to Chelmsford and shared with the neighbouring force is one of the ways Kent Police is trying to save its target of £50million over four years, and collaborate closely with Essex.

Assistant chief constable Gary Beautridge, head of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which is responsible for the forensic service said: “No decisions on this proposal have yet been made, we are currently in a period of consultation with all staff who are affected to ensure they are fully involved. The final proposal will be based on the views expressed in this process.”

A source connected with the force claimed Kent could lose around 30 staff if the idea goes ahead.

Mr Beautridge added: “As part of the need to make significant financial savings, we are examining every part of our business to ensure it is efficient and effective and provides maximum value for money for the public purse, and that includes the forensic service.

“Collaboration is a key part of the force’s plans to share functions to keep costs down whilst increasing effectiveness and we already have an excellent track record of working together with Essex.

Kent Police already shares several departments with Essex, the Serious Crime Directorate, IT, Procurement, Transport and the Marine Unit.

In May, Sussex and Surrey police forces merged their forensic and scientific services, major crime investigation and firearms to save money.