Using science and technology to help fight crime
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22 November 2005
Proposals to reduce crime, protect our borders and tackle terrorism through the innovative use of science and research have been published today by Home Office Minister Andy Burnham, as part of our Science and Innovation Strategy 2005-08.
We invest nearly £60m each year across a broad range of science and research work which helps us develop policies, as well as new scientific tools and techniques.
For example, the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) is currently:
- pioneering a new way to test for drug driving – using a form of spectroscopy to analyse saliva under a beam of laser light. The device is expected to be able to identify all drugs, including illicit drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines
- developing a new way to detect threats under clothing – using a millimetre wave technology that can identify materials as well as locate objects
The Home Office’s Science and Innovation Strategy 2005-08 includes commitments to:
- ensure science and innovation are at the heart of policy development
- create high-quality science and technology solutions for clearly defined purposes
- conduct independent reviews of Home Office research
- implement new and innovative ways of working
- identify trends in crime in order to prepare for future threats
- work with partners to explore the full benefits
Andy Burnham said:
‘We are dealing with increasingly sophisticated, organised criminality and we need to ensure that our use of science and technology meets the challenge.’
Read the Science and Innovation Strategy 2005-8
