A SHARED chemical laboratory, which will carry out forensic work for both Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire police forces, has been officially opened.

Based at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, the unit is the first of a number of shared facilities to be opened following a merger of two scientific services units in April.

The opening of the unit, yesterday, is the latest in a string of measures announced by the police forces in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to cut costs and improve efficiency.

The unit, which is the first collaborative facility of its kind in the country, boasts state-of-the-art facilities and includes chemical treatments, fingerprint development and handwriting and document analysis.

Dick Johnson, head of the unit, said: “This will provide excellent services for both forces and will play a major role in identifying key evidence which can help trace those responsible for a crime.

“It also means the unit will be able to assist with more investigations and provide a greater resilience for both counties.”

He said it would allow the two units to share expertise and knowledge from staff in both counties.