About Us

A Message from Alan Baker, Managing Director of Bericon Forensics

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first-hand how forensic science has evolved – sometimes for the better, sometimes with growing concerns. The way forensic services are delivered today is a far cry from the model many of us started with, when the Home Office Forensic Science Service operated regionally, offering a comprehensive and centralised provision for the police.

That all began to change in the 1990s with the introduction of competition into the market. New, smaller providers emerged—many specialising in particular disciplines. This specialisation allowed for deeper expertise in niche areas such as drugs testing or document examination. But it also marked the beginning of a shift away from holistic casework to a more fragmented, piecemeal approach.

Today, police forces often have to source forensic services from multiple providers. While that brings certain advantages, it also raises challenges—especially around consistency, communication, and the ability to manage a case from beginning to end with a cohesive forensic strategy.

We also see increasing pressure on police budgets. It’s not uncommon for only a handful of items to be submitted for testing in a case, often based on financial constraints rather than investigative priorities. As forensic scientists, we’re regularly asked to focus on one narrow aspect of a case—potentially overlooking wider connections or insights.

At Bericon, we understand these challenges all too well. That’s why we’ve built our service around flexibility, responsiveness, and genuine client support. Whether it’s a looming court deadline, a late evidence submission, or simply the need for an impartial second opinion—we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on being able to turn things around quickly without compromising on quality or scientific rigour.

But if there’s one message I want to emphasise, it’s the importance of reviewing the entire forensic process. From the initial collection and packaging of evidence, through to how it’s analysed and interpreted in court – every stage matters. Problems with continuity, contamination, or poor communication can seriously impact the outcome of a case.

Cost is of course a key consideration for any police force or legal team. But we must never lose sight of the fact that every forensic decision has consequences – for justice, for the people involved, and for public confidence in our system. Just because something is cheaper or quicker doesn’t always mean it’s better.

Forensic science continues to capture the public imagination, and rightly so. But as we move further into 2025 and beyond, we need to ensure that forensic services remain robust, independent, and above all-reliable.

If you need expert input, an independent review, or just a conversation about a case, we’re here to support you. At Bericon, our mission remains simple: to provide science you can trust, and a service that truly meets your needs.

Warm regards,

Alan Baker BSc CChem MRSC MEWI MCSFS

Managing Director