POLICE WILL PAY ESR FOR 'SPEED LAB' COSTS

Police have given Environmental Science and Research a commitment to pay for all the agency's work on clandestine methamphetamine labs following concerns over a lack of funding.

ESR forensics general manager Wayne Chisnall said ESR staff provided a round-the-clock specialist response service to the police; when a methamphetamine, or P, lab is found, police evacuate the site and call the ESR response team.

Specially trained forensic scientists and chemists were needed because of the dangers involved but the "explosion" of P production had led to a worldwide shortage of suitably trained staff.

In February, ESR asked the Government for a one-off injection of $900,000 to reduce the rapidly growing case backlog, and to manage new cases; it estimated it would have to deal with 300 P labs in 2003-2004, up from just nine in 2000.

But after a meeting between Justice Minister Phil Goff, Crown Research Institute Minister Pete Hodgson, justice sector officials and ESR in February, police gave an undertaking to pay for all work on clandestine labs as each case was completed, Mr Chisnall said.

As well, more scientists were being recruited; the arrival in June of an experienced American would make ESR's clandestine lab team the largest at a single site in Australasia.

A spokesman for Mr Hodgson said as further experts were found, "money to fund them won't be an issue".

Mr Chisnall said discussions were continuing with the justice sector on the issues surrounding expert witness appearances and evidence issues.

"ESR, in consultation with police and justice agencies, is investigating streamlining current testing regimes while ensuring that they still meet the rigorous requirements of the justice system," he said.

"All of the agencies involved want to ensure that the case for prosecution is well put together and has all the requisite parts and evidence necessary to ensure that justice is served."

Each clandestine lab finding required a range of scientific tests, with some requiring more than others, depending on the size and complexity of the lab and the type of evidence recovered, Mr Chisnall said.

"However ESR will not cut corners or sacrifice quality for speed.

"The scientific work associated with a clan lab must be robust and will not be compromised," Mr Chisnall said.

National MP Tony Ryall said police must be given more resources to pay for the spiralling problem.

"If we are to make a dent in this despicable trade, it is imperative the police are given sufficient funds to fight it," he said.