Willmott Dixon's longstanding partnership with Evercam is testament to the value that this tool has on our day-to-day working on site.
Challenge
The current forensic facilities are deteriorating beyond economical repair, have suffered repeated flooding that disrupted operations, and lack the space needed for collaboration and future growth. These conditions also fail to adequately support staff wellbeing given the traumatic and distressing nature of the work.
A major police force is constructing a state-of-the-art forensics facility that represents one of the most significant investments in police forensic services nationally. This flagship facility addresses critical infrastructure challenges while establishing a potential blueprint for forensic services across the UK.
This is an exciting new chapter for Thames Valley Police. Ensuring the police are on the cutting edge of forensics is critical to keeping the public safe. Whether the crime is burglary, sexual offences or other serious violence, it is vital we work to stay one step ahead of the criminals. This significant investment in our estate will transform our forensics service providing state-of-the-art support for operational policing and delivering improved outcomes for victims. It will also futureproof our forensics capability and capacity helping us to meet existing and future demand.” — Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber
The existing forensic facilities presented numerous operational challenges:
Deteriorating Infrastructure
Current labs are housed in buildings beyond economical repair, with temporary tarpaulin roofing in place for five year
Operational Disruptions
Two floods occurred in the current year alone, directly impacting forensic operations
Space Constraints
Teams are working in confined, separated spaces that limit collaboration and growth
Staff Wellbeing
Existing conditions don't adequately support staff dealing with traumatic and distressing forensic work daily
Evercam's Solution: Facility Design and Construction
The new forensics centre has been designed with several key principles
Collaborative Environment
Co-location of all forensic teams to enable better collaboration
Growth Capacity
Expanded space for new forensic methods, processes, and team growth
Staff Wellbeing
Purpose-built design prioritizing the mental health and wellbeing of forensic staff
Operational Efficiency
Modern facilities designed to enhance the effectiveness of forensic work
This is an exciting new chapter for Thames Valley Police. Ensuring the police are on the cutting edge of forensics is critical to keeping the public safe. Whether the crime is burglary, sexual offences or other serious violence, it is vital we work to stay one step ahead of the criminals. This significant investment in our estate will transform our forensics service providing state-of-the-art support for operational policing and delivering improved outcomes for victims. It will also futureproof our forensics capability and capacity helping us to meet existing and future demand.
Matthew Barber
Police and Crime Commissioner
Technology Integration: Evercam Monitoring System
The construction project utilizes Evercam's monitoring technology for multiple purposes
Project Management Benefits
- Real-time progress monitoring for project stakeholders without requiring site visits
- Team engagement tool allowing staff to track progress of their future workplace
- Historical documentation of the construction process for organizational archives
Operational Applications
- Operational Applications
- Time-lapse documentation of construction milestones
- Risk management and project oversight
“Having Evercam on our sites is fundamental in allowing us to monitor project progress and it also provides us with historical documentation of the construction from the start-on-site through to completion.”
Project Gallery
Project Impact and Benefits
Immediate Operational Improvements
- Enhanced forensic testing capabilities in modern, purpose-built laboratories
- Improved recruitment and retention through better working conditions
- Increased operational efficiency through collaborative team structure
- Elimination of weather-related disruptions to forensic work
Strategic Significance
- National Blueprint: Potential model for other police forces seeking to modernize forensic services
- Government Recognition: Aligns with current government focus on police reform and forensic best practices
- Legacy Building: Creates a historical record of this significant infrastructure investment
“This tool offers real-time tracking, essential for monitoring deliveries to site and also security monitoring capabilities.”
Staff Engagement and Morale
The project has generated significant excitement among forensic teams who will be moving into the new facility. The ability to track construction progress through Evercam has helped build anticipation and engagement with the project.
Broader Context: Multi-Force Construction Program
This project is part of a larger construction program involving multiple police facilities across the country, including
- New police headquarters in Herefordshire (monitored via Evercam for 1.5-2 years)
- Kendall Police station project near Manchester
- Various other "blue light" sector projects nationwide
Future Opportunities
This project is part of a larger construction program involving multiple police facilities across the country, including
Media and Documentation
- Potential Channel 4 documentary featuring the facility and forensic training programs
- Ongoing discussions with production companies about showcasing modern forensic work
- Educational content similar to existing programs like "The Real CSI"
Knowledge Sharing
The project documentation and lessons learned may serve as valuable resources for other police forces considering similar forensic facility investments.
Technology Partnership Success
The collaboration between the police force, Willmott Dixon construction, and Evercam demonstrates effective multi-party project management. The monitoring technology has provided:
- Transparent project oversight for all stakeholders
- Enhanced communication between construction teams and end users
- Comprehensive documentation for future reference and potential replication
Having Evercam on our sites is fundamental in allowing us to monitor project progress and it also provides us with historical documentation of the construction from the start-on-site through to completion. This tool offers real-time tracking, essential for monitoring deliveries to site and also security monitoring capabilities. We utilise Evercam daily and have this installed on a large number of our projects. Willmott Dixon’s longstanding partnership with Evercam is testament to the value that this tool has on our day-to-day working on site.
Courtney Edwards
Construction Manager, Willmott Dixon
Conclusion
This forensics centre represents more than just a building project — it’s an investment in the future of police forensic services. By combining modern facility design with innovative monitoring technology, the project addresses immediate operational needs while creating a model for forensic service delivery that could influence police forces nationwide.
The successful integration of Evercam monitoring technology has enhanced project transparency, stakeholder engagement, and documentation, demonstrating the value of comprehensive project monitoring in major public sector construction projects.
