Guest blog: Turning the tide of plastic waste in CSI

In this guest blog post we invite Sussex CSI Becci Henderson, who is working towards a PhD at Portsmouth University on the subject of Plastic Waste in the CSI Environment.

I have been a Crime Scene Investigator for 23 years. Over the course of my career, particularly over the past decade, I have noticed a huge increase in the amount of waste I generate during scene examinations, especially of single use plastic. 

Much of the packaging and equipment we use when examining crime scenes either incorporated or consists entirely of plastic. Plastic swabs with plastic casings, exhibit bags with peel off plastic seals, tweezers, PPE, plastic wipes, water vials, and drop sheets, to name a few. Even items that would otherwise be recyclable or degradable, such as paper sacks and cardboard boxes, have plastic inserts that render them unrecyclable.

Furthermore, much of what is thrown away is completely unused, and often still sealed, either because it has passed its expiry date, or because it has entered a crime scene but was surplus to requirements. Police Forces are paying for large amounts of stock that is disposed of before it can be utilised, they then have to pay for the waste stream costs, whether that’s incineration or landfill. 

 I’m not talking about eliminating plastic from crime scene investigation, that is not feasible, but reducing the amount of plastic entering in to the system, and the amount we subsequently waste, certainly is attainable.

Being witness to such unnecessary waste ignited a desire to try and raise awareness. Given that I work in a sector that relies on evidence, I felt the best way to instigate change was to embark upon a PhD to produce empirical data that illustrates the scale of the issue and, ultimately, to provide solutions without impacting on the integrity of the evidence collected at crime scenes. 

Rationale for the reliance of SUPs in crime scene investigation:

As the sensitivity of DNA analysis techniques develop, the possibility of obtaining full DNA profiles of suspects from crime scene stains has increased. Obviously, such sensitivity also amplifies the risk of profiles being generated from background DNA, that is genetic material that is naturally present in the environment, and cross contamination DNA, which is foreign DNA inadvertently introduced in to a scene, such as from equipment, exhibit handling or clothing.

Mitigating such contamination is crucial in ensuring accurate results and interpretation of events are maintained. But are the measures introduced to counter this risk proportionate? The rationale for disposing of items that have been taken into crime scenes is to reduce the risk of DNA contamination, however these items are taken into crime scenes in a plastic bag or box and placed on a plastic sheet, so do not come into direct contact with the crime scene. Why are these items being discarded when cameras, crime scene cases, even the CSI’s footwear, are not also disposed of?

Improving the sustainability of forensic consumables:

It is early days in my research, but there are several areas that could be amended to effect significant reductions in plastic waste generation. I hope to provide a clear picture as to the types of waste most commonly disposed of at volume and major scenes, and what materials that waste comprises of, which will enable me to target solutions to make the biggest impact.

A survey has circulated nationally to ascertain if there is a perception among my peers of excess and unnecessary waste generation. If the national picture is similar to that of my home force, then there is hope that there is enough traction to implement change. The survey has been designed to reveal the catalysts behind waste generation.  

We now have ground-breaking technology and materials at our disposal that could be used to replace some plastics, or plastic using procedures. The tide is turning on the use of plastic, and public sector organisations, including Police Forces, need to improve their sustainability policies to fall in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Becci Henderson CSI Sussex

Please Note: Forensic Training Partnership has a strong environmental interest and is developing its own environmental partnership strategy, from the way the Partners works, the systems the people use, the training we deliver, the support we give, is all being looked at.