SCOTLAND YARD

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12254, 9 April 1935, Page 2

SCOTLAND YARD

ENGAGER A SCIENTIST LONDON, March 16. Dr James Davidson, lately of. the Pathological Department of Edinburgh University), has arrived at Scotland Yard, and lias begun hi-s official duties in charge of the police laboratory there This latest development is ono of the most revolutionary at “The Yard” for years. The attitude, in the past of some detective officers toward a ’cloise Link between police ancl science has been rather cool. The hqst police laboratories in this country arc in tin; provinces. On tho Continent science lias been used! to 1 a degree not previously cn coy raged by the rather morn conservative thought in this country. Scotland. Yard has all ways made free use of independent experts, believing that their evidence would carry more weight with a jury than that of a man directly linked with tar police. The qinestfon of expense has also been considered, .hut in the last year or two there has been such striking progress in the use of science that a move direct contact is now necessary’ and the .Police, College laboratory will open the way. It is understood that when the, laboratory is in til l swing which, w.i)l he shortly. Dr Davidson will instruct classes there. He maJj Aw assist, the police from .time ..to time in current cases where his special knowledge may he of value. Hie lias assisted the, authorities in several , big criminal cases in Scotland.