SCIENTIST AT "THE YARD"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22566, 9 May 1935, Page 16

SCIENTIST AT "THE YARD"

Dr James Davidson, lately of the Pathological Department of Edinburgh University, has arrived at Scotland Yard, and has begun his official duties. Behind this statement lies a story of the gradual development at Scotland Yard of a closer connection with scientific methods of approach in criminal' detection. Dr Davidson was appointed last November to the charge of the Scientific Laboratory, which it was planned to institute at the Metropolitan Police College, Hendon. This latest development is one of the most revolutionary at "The Y'ard " for many years. The attitude in the past of sonic detective officers towards a close link between police and science has been rather cool. The best police laboratories in this country are in the provinces. On the Continent science has been used to a degree not previously encouraged by the rather more conservative thought in England.

Scotland Yard has always 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 the police. The question of expense has also been considered. But in the last year or two there has been such striking progress in the use of science that a more direct contact is now necessary, and the Police College Laboratory will open the way. It is understood that when the laboratory is in full swing, which will be shortly, Dr Davidson will instruct classes there. He may also assist the police from time to time in current cases where his special knowledge may be of value. He has assisted the authorities in several big criminal cases in Scotland.