Forensic Science Service | Carter Brown Associates

Manlove Forensics

Manlove Forensics (MFL Forensics) is an independent provider of forensic science services. In their purpose built laboratories, MFL Forensics examine a multitude of items with regards to evidence types ranging from blood to ballistics. They work with solicitors, barristers, police and private customers providing an impartial, well balanced approach to casework. Our work spans the entire criminal justice process, from the crime scene to Court.

All of MFL Forensics' scientists are experienced qualified experts in their field and often have more than one area of expertise within their portfolio. They are experienced in the Court as well as working within the laboratory and at scenes. Their breadth of expertise combined with extensive laboratory facilities means that MFL Forensics regularly work on complex cases with several evidence types.

Their scientists are able to examine case exhibits for new evidence, or carry out reviews of prosecution work on behalf of the defence. MFL scientists are available for work within the UK as well as overseas. This is combined with a 24-hour on-call service, ensuring that urgent requests can be dealt with at all times.

Forensic Biology

MFL Forensics conduct and review many different types of DNA analysis including the most commonly used SGM+, but also less frequently encountered forms of analysis such as LCN DNA, Y-STR, Identifiler, Minifiler and mitochondrial DNA.

They will undertake and review examinations of body fluids, for example blood, semen, saliva, urine and faeces. Blood pattern analysis is carried out both of items and at crime scenes.

MFL Forensics also routinely examine items to determine the cause of damage.

Forensic Chemistry

MFL Forensics offer an extensive range of services at these laboratories including footwear comparison, glass analysis and paint analysis. MFL Forensics have a marks enhancement laboratory for fingerprint and footwear marks, and a dark room for the photography of any marks developed. We undertake toolmark comparisons and the comparison of items for physical fits. MFL also have an extensive fibres analytical service available.

Drugs and Toxicology

MFL Forensics offer services in the analysis of different types of drugs and toxins, and their possible effects. They also carry out alcohol back-calculations and conduct reviews of scientific reports prepared for the prosecution.

Firearms

MFL offers a full service in firearms analysis with our own purpose-built laboratory, from review to examination. They carry out the classification of weapons and the comparison of marks on bullets with specific weapons. They also examine scenes to determine the sequence of events that occurred, and where the individual firing the weapons was situated. MFL Forensics assist with Post Mortem examinations and will undertake studies in wound ballistics. They also examine and classify electric shock devices ('stun guns') and lachrymeters (e.g. CS canisters).

Fires and Explosives

From scene examination to a paperwork review, MFL Forensics can cover all aspects of fire and explosives examination. They will assist in determining the seat of a fire and how it may have been caused, whether by accident or deliberate means. From an examination of a scene and knowledge of injuries to any persons present, the events that occurred can be reconstructed.

Forensic Ecology

Forensic ecology is the use of evidence types such as entomology (insects), diatoms and palynology (pollens). Insect evidence can assist in post mortem interval estimate and in the investigation of cases where neglect is alleged. Diatoms assist in cases of death by drowning and pollens assist in linking people and objects to places. MFL Forensics also include their highly experienced forensic archaeologists and anthropologists in this team. Their forensic archaeologists assist in the location and recovery of bodies (and other items). Forensic anthropologists assist in the identification of people, either living or dead. MFL Forensics has the largest team of this type in the UK.

Forensic Medicine

With the services of Home Office Pathologists and Forensic Medical Examiners (FMEs), MFL Forensics can carry out second Post Mortems, and investigate the causes of injuries. Weapons can be compared with injuries to enable comment on whether or not they caused the injury. Their doctors can also give a medical opinion on whether or not someone is suffering from a condition that could affect the use of machinery, or driving. MFL Forensics are able to provide wound overlay simulations that can be used in court to sensitively explain the location of injuries to a victim.

Audio and CCTV analysis

The audio service offers the ability to enhance and transcribe audio tapes. Investigations can also be carried out to find out whether or not they have been edited.

MFL Forensics' CCTV service uses state of the art software to recover damaged recordings. The service extends to comparing images with people, clothing or other items such as vehicles. We also offer other services including recovering data and pitching to disguise vulnerable witnesses when required.

Counterfeiting

MFL can conduct investigations into whether or not specific items, for example, footwear or clothing, is counterfeit.

Document analysis and handwriting

By comparing handwriting samples with those submitted as questioned, MFL Forensics can offer opinion as to whether or not the same person could have written that document/signed that piece of paper. It is also possible to comment on whether items have been over-written, or whether or not handwriting has been added. Further to this, they can carry out an analysis of items for indented writing.