Proposals to reduce crime, protect our borders and tackle terrorism through the innovative use of science and research have been published by Home Office Minister Andy Burnham.
It’s part of the Government’s Science and Innovation Strategy 2005-08.
The Home Office reports that it invests nearly £60m each year across a 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) reports that it is:
pioneering a new way to test for drug driving โ 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 โ using a millimetre wave technology that can identify materials as well as locate objects
The Home Officeโs Science and Innovation Strategy 2005-08 includes commitments to:
ensure science and innovation are at the heart of policy development
create science and technology solutions for clearly defined purposes
conduct independent reviews of Home Office research; and implement new and innovative ways of working;
identify trends in crime in order to prepare for future threats; and 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."
