Naomi Long and Andrew Elliott

Andrew Elliott has taken on the top post in the agency within the Department of Justice, which is responsible for the provision of impartial scientific advice and support, to enhance the criminal justice system.

FSNI employs approximately 200 staff, all civil servants, of whom approximately 65 per cent are scientists directly involved with casework.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “FSNI is a leader in the field of forensic science and plays a crucial role in providing evidence for criminal cases.

“The agency receives approximately 20,000 exhibits per year — not including DNA swabs and blood samples and is the custodian of Northern Ireland’s DNA database.

“Andrew leads an agency that brings together a wide range of forensic tools with a pronounced focus on innovation, quality accreditation and using new technologies to help ensure the right decisions are made in the justice system.

“We are fortunate in Northern Ireland to have retained such an effective and joined-up model of forensic science delivery and I am confident that Andrew’s leadership skills will continue to ensure a forensic science capacity to meet the needs of policing and the wider justice system into the future.”