POLICE WILL PAY ESR FOR 'SPEED LAB' COSTS

Police have given Environmental Science and Research a commitment to
pay for all the agency's work on clandestine methamphetamine labs
following concerns over a lack of funding.

ESR forensics general manager Wayne Chisnall said ESR staff provided a
round-the-clock specialist response service to the police; when a
methamphetamine, or P, lab is found, police evacuate the site and call
the ESR response team.

Specially trained forensic scientists and chemists were needed because
of the dangers involved but the "explosion" of P production had led to
a worldwide shortage of suitably trained staff.

In February, ESR asked the Government for a one-off injection of
$900,000 to reduce the rapidly growing case backlog, and to manage new
cases; it estimated it would have to deal with 300 P labs in
2003-2004, up from just nine in 2000.

But after a meeting between Justice Minister Phil Goff, Crown Research
Institute Minister Pete Hodgson, justice sector officials and ESR in
February, police gave an undertaking to pay for all work on
clandestine labs as each case was completed, Mr Chisnall said.

As well, more scientists were being recruited; the arrival in June of
an experienced American would make ESR's clandestine lab team the
largest at a single site in Australasia.

A spokesman for Mr Hodgson said as further experts were found, "money
to fund them won't be an issue".

Mr Chisnall said discussions were continuing with the justice sector
on the issues surrounding expert witness appearances and evidence issues.

"ESR, in consultation with police and justice agencies, is
investigating streamlining current testing regimes while ensuring that
they still meet the rigorous requirements of the justice system," he
said.

"All of the agencies involved want to ensure that the case for
prosecution is well put together and has all the requisite parts and
evidence necessary to ensure that justice is served."

Each clandestine lab finding required a range of scientific tests,
with some requiring more than others, depending on the size and
complexity of the lab and the type of evidence recovered, Mr Chisnall
said.

"However ESR will not cut corners or sacrifice quality for
speed.

"The scientific work associated with a clan lab must be robust and
will not be compromised," Mr Chisnall said.

National MP Tony Ryall said police must be given more resources to pay
for the spiralling problem.

"If we are to make a dent in this despicable trade, it is imperative
the police are given sufficient funds to fight it," he said.