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Forensic & Analytical Science

The Forensic and Analytical Science theme has four research laboratories supporting research in crime scene analysis, forensic biochemistry and forensic chemistry, analytical toxicology and synthesis of novel analogues and proteins.

Crime Scene Investigation research explores the identification of evidence from complex environmental samples and the use of nanoparticles for detection and characterisation of biological materials to make a step-change in the way forensic evidence is gathered, evaluated, and delivered to the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Research also explores the characterisation of explosives and ammunition (including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), gun-shot residue (GSR) and energetic materials (with associated implications of terrorism) and their detection in fingerprints

Analytical and Forensic Toxicology research involves the investigation of alternative matrices for drug screening and evidential analysis such as synthetic oral fluid, latent fingerprints, fingermarks, blood spots and hair. This work seeks to exploit the potential for increased ease of collection and the advantage of different temporal detection windows available in contrast to blood and urine. Innovative ways in which screening tests can be developed to better inform drug use trends are explored.

Synthesis and detection of novel reference materials and standards is undertaken. We have the capacity to develop compounds otherwise not commercially available such as emerging synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites as well as radiolabelled synthetic cannabinoids for medical imaging. We also apply in-vitro metabolism assays to detect and identify NPS metabolites and well as to discover new biomarkers of drug abuse.

Our research addresses some of the global analytical challenges presented to governments, the police and justice departments as well as to educators and service providers. Staff have specialist knowledge in High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) - Mass Spectrometry (MS), LC-MS/MS, GC-Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IR-MS) and GC-combustion (C)-IR-MS. These very sophisticated instruments detect trace concentrations of compounds in the nanogram (one billionth of a gram (10-9g)) to picogram (one trillionth of a gram (10-12g)) range.

Members

Vincenzo Abbate

Vincenzo Abbate

Senior Lecturer in Analytical Toxicology

Nunzianda Frascione

Nunzianda Frascione

Lecturer in Forensic Science

James Gooch

James Gooch

UK IC Research Fellow

The City of London Police Fingerprint Bureau, which consists of both the Bureau itself and the Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratory, has experts with over 85 years’ experience in fingermark interpretation between them.

The Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 international standard and has technicians that can provide both in-house and crime scene fingerprint development and recovery. The laboratory uses a range of recovery techniques using state of the art technology.

fingerprint

Fingerprint Enhancement Lab

Contact the Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratory: Tracy Alexander (Director Forensic Services) Tracy.Alexander@cityoflondon.police.uk

Fingerprint Enhancement Lab

Our partners

eurofins-logo

Eurofins
Metropolitan police logo

Metropolitan Police

Group leads

kim-wolff

Professor Kim Wolff

Director King's Forensics

vincenzo-abbate

Dr Vincenzo Abbate

Senior Lecturer in Analytical Toxicology

nunzianda-frascione

Dr Nunzianda Frascione

Lecturer in Forensic Science

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