Civilian specialists, such as this Identification Bureau photo- graphic expert, play a vital and significant role in crime detection.
Laboratories
Two well-equipped laboratories are located within the CID at Force Headquarters - the Forensic Pathology Laboratory and the Forensic Chemistry Laboratory. Both are staffed by highly qualified professionals of the Medical and Health Department and work as an integral part of the Force.
The work of the Pathology Laboratory covers a wide field but mainly involves the medico-legal examination of victims of criminal assault and post-mortem examinations. The forensic pathologists also take an active part in police train- ing. During 1976 the consultant forensic pathologist and his staff conducted 336 autopsies and gave medico-legal evidence in 219 cases.
The work of the forensic chemists falls into two cate- gorics. Firstly, the analysis, identification and quantifica- tion of substances – for example, the nature and quantity of drugs. Secondly, and equally important, is the compari- son of materials and markings. This aspect largely entails 'contact' evidence and is vitally important in the investiga- tion of crime.
Ballistics Office
The Ballistics Office has an establishment of two ballistics officers but for several years recruitment has proved difficult, resulting in a heavy workload for the single officer in the Force. He is required to visit the scenes of shooting incidents, examine a wide range of firearms and ammuni- tion, including comparisons, and to attend court to give evidence.
At the end of the year a second officer was recruited and will relieve the workload. In the long term, to ensure that adequate expertise is available and to avoid similar recruit- ment problems in the future, serving police officers are being trained as assistant ballistics officers and initial indications are that the scheme will be successful.
Prevention of Crime Office
Prevention is a vital issue in combatting crime and is, of course, the duty of every police officer and indeed every member of the community. Nevertheless, there is a need for a professional and central unit to plan and co-ordinate effort and to ensure that sciences and strategies are exploited to optimum effect.
To this end, plans have been formulated to restructure and strengthen the currently small Crime Prevention Office of CID Headquarters by approximately 100 officers working in this field in conjunction with Police Community Rela- tions Officers. The expansion will provide an expert and aggressive prevention capability at Force, district and divisional levels.
The central unit will be responsible for research, exhibi- tions, training and co-ordination of activities throughout the Force. At district and divisional levels, officers, including the Police Community Relations Officers who play a key role, will continue to perform field work concentrating on the propagation of crime prevention information to the community, thus providing the final link in a well co- ordinated and effective machine.
CID Training School
Detective training takes place at the CID Training School in the former police station at Aberdeen. It operates under the administrative direction of the Commandant/Police Training School. Its capacity was doubled in 1974. During 1976 emphasis was placed on developing basic detective knowledge and expertise in all officers serving in the CID. The objective was achieved in respect of inspectorate officers, station sergeants and sergeants, but there was a shortfall in throughput of 500 detective constables. To meet this shortfall and the expansion of the CID, the intake during 1977 will be doubled yet again, this time from 320 to 640. By the end of 1978 it is anticipated that all detectives will have completed the basic course and specialist and advanced training will then be undertaken.
The syllabus is of a practical nature and emphasis is placed on exercises and analytical critiques. The approach and detailed instructional techniques have drawn favourable comments from overseas visitors.
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