Report from ‘The Chemical Sciences and Crime Prevention’ workshop

Follow up from the international review of chemistry.

Last May we ran a crime prevention workshop that was sponsored by the Police Scientific Development Branch and the Science Policy Unit of the Home Office, and by the EPSRC. The workshop-which involved about 50 invited participants-was intended to address the recommendations of the International Review of UK Chemistry Research. The review panel drew particular attention to the current state of UK crime prevention research, stressing the importance of engaging the chemical community in this area and attracting high-quality researchers to the field in order to promote innovative research. 

The topics discussed were grouped into three main areas: sensors, analytical chemistry and tools, and new materials. The principal aim of this event was to increase awareness within the academic community of what the chemical sciences knowledge and skills base can contribute to crime reduction in the UK. The intention was to facilitate communication between researchers and research users-government, police and industry. We brought together leading scientists already working in this area and other key players in order to examine current research activity and to identify major challenges and opportunities for the future. 

A report on the findings of this meeting is available. The central role of chemistry in exploring new tools and new materials was emphasised and the importance of continued input from the scientific community in crime reduction was discussed. Professor Wiles, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Home Office, welcomed this important new collaboration between the HO and the RSC. Although all areas of chemistry deserve attention in relation to crime reduction, chemical sensors and detectors are of particular relevance to the research community and the government and industrial bodies concerned. Accordingly, the next step was the organisation of a Gordon-type conference, sponsored by the HO, DSTL (Porton Down), the EPSRC and BBSRC, focussed on sensors. This meeting took place from 31st January to 1st February 2005 at PSDB (HO) in Sandridge