| South Wales Joint Scientific Investigation Unit Uned Ymchwilio Gwyddonol ar y Cyd | |
|---|---|
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 2012 |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan unitary authority areas, UK |
 | |
| Joint South Wales / Gwent Police area marked as 4 and 2 | |
| Size | 2,074 km² |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | Bridgend |
| Website | |
| www.south-wales.police.uk | |
The South Wales Joint Scientific Investigation Unit (Welsh: Uned Ymchwilio Gwyddonol ar y Cyd De Cymru) is a specialist forensic police unit established in April 2012.[1] It specialises in analysis of drugs, glass, fingerprints, digital crime scenes, ballistics, trace evidence, and forensic samples.[1]
The SWJSIU is based in Bridgend.[2] It is funded by and serves South Wales Police and Gwent Police, independent from the Forensic Science Service of England and Wales.[3]
The unit is the only one of its kind in the UK able to undertake glass investigation, which will involve examining fragments of smashed glass for forensic evidence,[1] and exports copies to the UK National DNA Database. It is also one of only three to have a "metal vacuum deposition room",[1] to obtain fingerprints from smooth surfaces such as carrier bags and glass.[1]
The SWJSIU was launched after the closure of the nearby government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS) regional laboratory in Chepstow.[2]
The department is a Centre of Excellence and is obtaining ISO accreditation.[1]