SUSSEX police has lost ten per cent of its staff who gather and analyse forensic evidence since 2010, new figures show.

Cuts to scientific services staff in several forces are leading to less evidence being available and fewer criminals being brought to justice, the public services Unison is warning. The number of scientific services staff in Sussex Police, which includes scenes of crime officers, footwear experts, and fingerprint experts, has decreased from 114 to 103 since 2010, according to a report by the union. The service has merged with Surrey police’s during that time.

A Unison survey of its members who work in police scientific services across the country showed that the quality of the service was under threat, expertise was being lost, and low morale was “endemic”, according to the union, the union said.

Andy Stenning, Head of Unison Sussex Police and Justice Staff Branch, said: “Currently, and for sometime moral in the Forensic Service of Sussex Police has been very low.

“I am sure that this is having an effect upon service and evidence gathering but I am equally sure that my members are doing their level best to provide a scientific option in Major Crime Investigation.”

The Unison survey also showed that some DNA analysis was not sent for analysis and training budgets had been cut, the report added.

Sussex Police has fared better than some forces– scientific services staff in Gloucestershire has decreased by 26 per cent and in Hertfordshire by 25 per cent, according to the report.

The Unison report said: “Over 230 respondents commented giving worrying details on the impact of staff cuts on the services which victims of crime and the public could expect.

“The vast majority expressed concern that staffing cuts had compromised their ability to perform core work to tackle crime, with victims bearing the real consequences.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said the force had seen a reduction of staff in its Forensic Investigations department “across a number of roles”.

He added: “This has been as a result of the ongoing collaboration with Surrey Police.

“The aim of the collaboration is to ensure that high quality policing services can be maintained for the public in Surrey and Sussex against a diminishing budget.

“It has enabled both forces to achieve economies of scale, reduce duplication and allowed us to protect frontline policing services with the savings made.

“All staff and officers affected by the collaboration have been kept fully informed and involved throughout the process.”