Chemistry FAQs
Q: What qualifications do I need?
A: To become a forensic chemist you need a good honours degree in a chemistry related subject. An HNC, HND or lesser degree is required to be a technician.
Q: What chemistry disciplines do you have within the service?
A: The two common areas are Drugs Analysis and General Chemistry. In the Drugs laboratory chemists analyse all sorts of chemicals from drugs of abuse, like heroin and cocaine, to pharmaceutical preparations like codeine and valium. They also examine items that may be used by people who deal in drugs or abuse drugs.
The general chemistry staff examine lots of different things such as glass, paint and fire accelerants (petrol, lighter fluid etc).
Q: What is a controlled drug?
A: Controlled Drugs are those substances which are listed in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. The use of drugs in the UK is strictly controlled and governed by extensive legislation. The two key pieces of legislation are the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971, along with its amendments and modification orders, and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 2001.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 details drugs that are controlled and classifies them A, B or C, reflecting the potential harm they can cause, both in terms of health and social disorder. In general the Act defines what is NOT allowed in respect of these drugs and is continually being revised and amended.
Conversely, The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 lays down what IS allowed. These Regulations define the rules for the use of controlled drugs under appropriate conditions (for example by hospitals and pharmacies).
Q: Are all drugs controlled?
A: No. Many have to be bought on prescription but it is not an offence to have them. The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 lays down what IS allowed. These Regulations define the rules for the use of controlled drugs under appropriate conditions (for example by hospitals and pharmacies).
Q: Can you tell someone's personality from their handwriting?
A: Analysis of handwriting is not to be confused with graphology which claims to be able to tell your personality from your handwriting.
Within forensic services the Documents and Handwriting section examines all forms of documentation for all police forces and law enforcement agencies not just handwriting. The documentation specialists can find themselves examining a wide range of items as a ‘document' can be classed as any item which has writing on it and in some cases this has included walls, lift doors and occasionally bodies.