The Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB; formerly the Police Scientific Development Branch) was a branch of the Home Office in the United Kingdom which provided scientific research into new technology that could be used to fight crime.[1]
 | |
_Sandridge_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1272141.jpg) The Wireless station was a Second World War listening Station for GCHQ. | |
| Abbreviation | HOSDB |
|---|---|
| Formation | Unknown |
| Dissolved | Unknown date |
| Legal status | Government-owned company |
| Purpose | Research |
| Location |
|
Membership | Scientific Development |
Director | Alan Pratt |
Parent organization | Home Office |
| Affiliations | UK Police Forces |
| Website | HOSDB |
History edit
The HOSDB's role was to support the Home Office's strategic aims through the effective application of science and technology.[2] HOSDB would also provide technical support for the UK's police and security services. HOSDB has two sites in the UK: Sandridge, Hertfordshire and Langhurst, West Sussex. The work of the HOSDB involved hi-tech research into countering terrorism, technology to fight crime, borders security, and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. Their work sometimes involved attending incidents such as the explosions in London in 2005 in order to assess structural impacts, etc. There were 250 staff: 200 scientists and engineers and 50 support staff, half of whom live in and around Sandridge, making them a large local employer.
References edit
- ^ "Home Office Scientific Development Branch". Home Office. Archived from the original on 9 June 2007. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ "Protecting the public using science and technology A UK Perspective" (PDF).