The SIPR Annual Conference 2010
"Policing in an age of austerity"

14th September 2010

                  ~~~

The SPSA / SIPR Conference
"New developments in forensic science"
14th - 15th September 2010


West Park Conference Centre, Dundee

Introduction

We are delighted to introduce the programme of the SIPR conference which this year is being held in partnership with the Scottish Police Services Authority. Following the format of previous SIPR conferences the first day will comprise a morning plenary – focusing on the theme of ‘Policing in an Age of Austerity’ - followed by two parallel sessions in the afternoon organised by SIPR’s networks. One session, organised jointly by the Police-Community Relations and Police Organisation networks, focuses on practitioner research and show-cases findings from several SIPR Practitioner Fellowship projects where practitioners have worked in partnership with academics on an applied topic of relevance to policing. The other session, organised by the Evidence and Investigation network, focuses on the use of new science and technology in the investigation and prosecution of crime and marks the beginning of the ‘New developments in forensic science’ meeting that then extends into the following day and includes an opportunity to visit SPSA’s new forensic laboratory in Dundee.

We very much hope you will be able to attend one or both days of the conference and look forward to meeting you in Dundee in September.

The Venue

The beautiful Mansion House, where we will hold some of the parallel sessions and the Exhibitors Showcase, was built in the 1860's as a family home for Alexander Henderson, one of the most highly esteemed and successful merchants and manufacturers in the city of Dundee. We will enjoy excellent buffet lunches in the "Henderson Restaurant". The main Conferences will be held in the separate dedicated Conference Centre.

Directions to the West Park Centre

The Plenary Sessions

"Paying the bill? Policing after the recession..."

Our Keynote Speaker for the Plenary Session on Tuesday 14th will be Professor Martin Innes, Universities' Police Science Institute, Cardiff University.

Although the recession in the UK has technically ended, it is clear that it will have deep and long-lasting social impacts. In respect of policing, these are likely to be both direct (reductions in funding) and indirect (increasing demand stemming from amplified social stress in communities). In sum, the police are now going to have to find ways of doing more with less, following a decade of increased investment within and across the policing sector. Professor Innes' presentation seeks to examine some of the potential ways of responding to this situation and how policing might be strategically reconfigured for the new operating environment that it confronts.

The Plenary Session on Tuesday 14th will be opened by Chief Constable Pat Shearer, President of ACPOS, and the programme will include leading academics and practitioners from within Scotland and from overseas.

The Sessions on Wednesday 15th will focus on explore the distinctive issues that arise in the development and implementation of new forensic technologies, showcasing novel science but also considering its potential in a criminal justice system of increasing expectations and fiscal constraints.

Further details of the Programme...

Parallel Session

The first afternoon (Tuesday 14th) will include two Parallel Sessions focusing on: New developments in forensic science; and Practitioner Research.

New developments in forensic science As science and technology continues to develop it offers increasing scope in the investigation and prosecution of crime. New technologies have the potential to rapidly or remotely analyse forensic materials which may provide intelligence, investigative leads or eliminate suspects and the innocent. However, the application of new technology is set in a complex legal environment involving many stakeholders (prosecutors, investigators, scientists) with overlapping but distinct roles and aims. Much of the evidence presently available suggests that available technologies are not always used effectively and there is the potential for new techniques to be 'over sold' or their applications misunderstood. The effective use of novel science and technology in such an environment demands close cooperation and interaction of all stakeholders. This conference aims to explore the distinctive issues that arise in the development and implementation of new forensic technologies, showcasing novel science but also considering its potential in a criminal justice system of increasing expectations and fiscal constraints. The requirements for sound evaluation of technology, developing new standards and interpretation and evaluation of evidence are all matters that will be explored in presentations by internationally recognised experts.

Practitioner Research Alongside initiating research into key areas of Scottish policing policy and practice, one of the key aims of SIPR is to encourage those involved with policing to engage in research activity. This has been assisted by the creation of practitioner fellowships and small-scale research projects in which those who work in police-related areas are supported by academic researchers from Scotland's universities. The purpose of this session is to consider the value of practitioner research, to celebrate some examples of projects supported by SIPR, and to discuss some of the present and future issues facing practitioners in undertaking research.

Further details of the Programme...

Optional FREE Civic Reception and tour of the SPSA Forensic Science Laboratory, 14th September

All delegates are cordially invited by Lord Provost John Letford to a Civic Reception to be held at the £23.3 million new forensic science laboratory, formally opened by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAsakill on June 7th. The five-storey building will be home to more than 100 forensic scientists and 30 information and communication specialists from the SPSA, and will provide many of the latest crime-fighting technologies including photographic studios, biology, drugs and chemistry laboratories, fingerprint and scene examination units and the Scottish DNA database.

Please check the box on the Booking Form if you wish to attend. Transport from the West Park Conference Centre to the Laboratory can also be provided.

Optional Conference Dinner, Apex Hotel, 14th September

The optional Conference Dinner, priced at £30, will be held at the Apex Hotel, adjacent to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

Please check the box on the Booking Form if you wish to attend.

Poster Session and Forensic Showcase

There will be a display of research on both days.

Poster Session 14th September: A small exhibit of SIPR-funded research in the foyer of the Conference Centre.

Poster / Forensic Showcase Session 15th September: Over 20 exhibits and posters highlighting the latest developments in forensic science will be displayed in the Balbeggie Suite.

Cost and Booking

Delegates can attend the full conference (£195 / £80 students*) or individual days (£120 / £45 students*). A FREE Civic Reception and Tour of the SPSA Forensic Laboratories is included. Delegates can also attend an optional Conference Dinner (£30).

PLEASE NOTE: The above prices include the late booking surcharge of £25 for bookings received after 31st July. No refunds for cancellations after 31st August 2010.

*Concessionary price: full time Phd and Masters students only

Complete an On-line booking form...

Please complete the On-line booking form (For payments by cheque or to request an Invoice only) or make a Credit and Debit Card payments using the University of Dundee secure On-line Store.

Accommodation

Accommodation, if required, should be arranged and paid for individually direct with the Hotel or Guest House of your choice. Distances shown are from the West Park Centre.

Please ask for the shown special University of Dundee rate (subject to availability) at the following:

• (0.6 mile)    Invercarse Hotel 3*, 371 Perth Road, DD2 1PG. 01382 669231
                   £67 (B&B Single Room); £72 (B&B Double Room - sole occupancy)
• (1.9 miles)   Hilton Hotel 4*, Earl Grey Place, DD1 4DE. 01382 315501
                   £69 (B&B Single Room); £77 (B&B Double Room - double occupancy)
• (2.2 miles)   Apex City Quay Hotel 4*, West Victoria Dock Road, DD1 3JP. 0845 365 0000
                   £110 (B&B Single Room); £120 (B&B Double Room - double occupancy)
                   Apex Website Quote Block Booking Reference: UN1409_004.                  Rate available for bookings made by 03/08/10. Requests after the cut off date                  are subject to availability and rate.

Rooms are available at Premier Inns - Dundee (Centre or West are c.10 min drive), at a cost of £74 per room.

Details of other local hotels and guest houses can be found at: http://www.visitscotland.com/shop/accommodation/book-dundee/

Or see http://www.laterooms.com for the best available deals

Professor Martin Innes

(Photo: SPSA)

Forensic Scientists at work
(Photo: SPSA)

The Mansion House

West Park Centre, Dundee

West Park Centre, Auditorium