Retention of case material

Our retention policy for case material is broadly in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Forensic Science Service (see the official ACPO-FSS document here).

Spencer Research Ltd will dispose of any material that constitutes a health hazard (e.g. body fluid samples) as soon as practicable.  

The data retention period will commence on 31 December of the year in which Spencer Research Ltd first received the case. We will retain case material for seven years after the start of the retention period except for cases of kidnap, unlawful imprisonment, murder, manslaughter, rape, wounding, terrorism, aggravated burglary, or robbery where we will retain data for 30 years

Spencer Research Ltd. may retain case material beyond the retention period, for example on grounds of public interest, first use of a scientific technique or special media interest.

Retained material will be destroyed at the end of the retention period unless Spencer Research Ltd. is specifically notified in good time to the contrary.

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