Police ignore watchdog's Operation Branchform forensics review offer

The National

2 days ago

The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) contacted the force and its oversight body the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in May 2023 – but has received no response.
A former SNP MP, who wished to remain anonymous, told this paper: 'Police Scotland, as an independent police service, has no legal obligation to allow the Forensic Science Regulator to review its forensic activities during Operation Branchform.
'However, to demonstrate transparency, appropriateness and fairness of the investigative process, it would be in Police Scotland's and the public's interests for it to do so.'
A forensic tent was erected in Sturgeon's garden when police raided her and former partner Peter Murrell's home near Glasgow in April 2023.
Murrell was later charged with embezzlement and is expected to stand trial at a later date. Sturgeon was arrested two months after police searched her house but was later cleared.
Sturgeon announced in January this year that she and Murrell had separated and were to divorce.
Photographs of police tents outside the former first minister's home was described by some as a potentially era-defining image in Scottish politics.
READ MORE: Shock to see forensic police tent in SNP probe, says Stephen Flynn
The police investigation into the SNP was focused on £660,000 raised for a second independence referendum campaign since 2021.
The FSR, part of the UK Government Home Office, has no official jurisdiction in Scotland.
However, because there is not an equivalent body to oversee the use of forensic investigation in the country, its services can be used in Scotland, if Police Scotland or the SPA agree to a review.
According to its website, the FSR 'ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards'.
(Image: Getty Images)
The FSR contacted Police Scotland and the SPA after it was requested to do so by a member of the public, who is an SNP member and wishes to remain anonymous.
In a statement to the Sunday National, the forensics watchdog shared its last piece of communication with the member of the public from January 2024: 'As the Forensic Science Regulator has no jurisdiction in Scotland he has raised this matter with Police Scotland on your behalf and has been waiting for a formal response from them.
'You may also like to pursue this matter through Police Scotland as unfortunately there is no formal action that the Regulator can take regarding activities carried out in Scotland.'
A spokesperson for the SPA said: 'There are live criminal proceedings in this case and it would not be appropriate for the authority to provide comment in relation to it. I would refer to you Police Scotland in the first instance.'
Police Scotland declined to comment.