Workers at the National Forensic Institute have sounded the alarm about government cutbacks which, they say, threaten quality standards and crime investigation.

According to the Telegraaf, some 77 jobs at the institute are under threat as more work is transferred from forensic experts to the police in an effort to save almost €10m. The paper bases its claims on internal correspondence.

Preparatory work for DNA testing, crime scene investigations and basic education about forensic research are all being transferred from the NFI to the police themselves.

In one letter, the works council says it is concerned about the continuity of these activities. If the police are made responsible and the experts lose their jobs, this will have a ‘negative impact on the quality of investigations and follow up research,’ the letter states.