Larkhall Lane accommodation for the Scientific Support Unit (SO1(6))

Report: 17
Date: 19 July 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

SO1(6) Scientific Support Unit was established to provide specific forensic support to the Serious Crime Group, providing crime scene management and scene examination capability. SO1(6) Scientific Support Unit currently does not have designated accommodation, and therefore is not able to act as a self contained unit as planned under the MPS Forensic Strategy. Report submitted for approval to develop scheme to tender stage.

A. Recommendation

Members are asked to approve the development of a scheme up to tender stage for the conversion of workshops, stores and offices at Larkhall Lane, SW4 to provide accommodation for SO1(6).

B. Supporting information

1. The Business Case and Investment Appraisal to convert former stores, workshops and offices at Larkhall Lane, SW4, represents the best value option to provide accommodation for SO1(6), Scientific Support Unit.

Background

2. The HMIC report "Winning Consent" recommended a separate Forensic Support Unit for murder investigations. In March 2000, Management Board established the Serious Crime Group (SCG) "to pro-actively target those persons who kill or are prepared to kill". SO1(6) was included to provide crime scene management and scene examination forensic support.

3. Existing scientific support to Borough OCUs is provided from accommodation at Bow (NE), Peel Centre (NW), Surbiton (SW), Sydenham (SE) and a small central unit within Cannon Row. No specific accommodation currently exists for the new SCG Scientific Support. This means SO1(6) cannot operate as a self contained unit as proposed. Recruitment of the necessary staff cannot be undertaken until accommodation is provided. The lack of accommodation also means that operational staff undertakes administrative support functions.

4. The MPS currently utilises the privatised Forensic Science Service at Lambeth for much of the scientific support to major investigations, at an estimated cost of £427,000 per annum. Provision of a designated MPS unit is expected to significantly reduce reliance upon this service.

Options

5. The Investment Appraisal demonstrates that only the option of conversion of vacant premises at Larkhall Lane is able to provide a value for money solution to the requirement for designated accommodation for SO1(6) Scientific Support Unit in an operationally acceptable location.

Consultation

6. The proposals satisfy the accommodation requirements identified by SO1(6) and Serious Crime Group senior management, both of whom support the recommendation.

C. Financial implications

Only one option was identified as able to satisfy the brief therefore full Net Present Value (NPV) calculations have not been undertaken.

A capital cost of £220,000 has been included in the approved Capital Programme for 2001/02 with the balance paid in future years. The £1,955,000 cost includes provision for DoI infrastructure, loose furniture and equipment. In addition, professional fees are assessed at £289,000. All figures exclude VAT.

An additional annual running cost in the order of £20,000 will be incurred as a result of the increased occupancy of the building and appropriate allowance will be made in the allocation of revenue funding.

D. Background papers

• Combined First and Second Stage Investment Appraisal, User's Business Case
• HMIC Report 'Winning Consent':
• MPS Special Notice 26:00

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Trevor Lawrence, MPS Director Property Services.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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