The use of forensic botany and palynology in helping to solve crime is a relatively new area in the UK. NPARU is working at the forefront of its research and application. We have a team of experts who are able to perform specialist forensic services, including:

•  Identification of samples – pollen, algae, and fungal spores

•  Processing of samples – at our laboratories and in preparation for microscope analysis

•  Vegetation surveys – at scenes of crime

The pollen of each plant taxon has unique characteristics  Usually identifiable to plant family level, sometimes to species  Pollen evidence may be available for use when normal evidence (such as DNA analysis) is not available or cannot be used

•  Trace evidence

•  It is a highly resistant microscopic particle

•  Pollen can be specific to place or to a season

•  Soil

•  Cars: tyres, wheel arches, upholstery

•  Hair, clothes and shoes

•  Under fingernails

•  Nasal cavities, gut

•  Substances, e.g. drugs, explosives, paint

•  Firearms

Pollen evidence can be used to link a person or objects to a location. For example in serious crime cases, pollen can help to determine whether death occurred at the location where a body was found or whether a body has been moved to that location. Also, pollen deposited in the nose can indicate whether a victim was alive when deposited at a location and can help by determining the season of death. We have experience of using pollen evidence in a wide range of forensic applications, including serious crime, such as murder, rape and fraud in the United Kingdom both for the prosecution and the defence.