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A Load of Trouble —

21st April 1950, Page 46
21st April 1950
Page 46
Page 47
Page 46, 21st April 1950 — A Load of Trouble —
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

for someone MANY and varied are the by-products of perversity, the latest being an inoffensive vehicle which the Criminal Investigation Department of Edinburgh City Police perhaps ineptly calls a crime van."

Outwardly a standard Bedford longwheelbase 2-3-tonner with a van body separate from the cab, the vehicle is in fact a mobile forensic research laboratory. Constructed to the design of the Edinburgh City Police, the body was built by the S.M.T. Sales and Service Co., Ltd., Roseburn Street, Edinburgh. The equipment and 'chemicals carried were supplied anct fitted by the finger-print department of Edinburgh C.I.D.

Fundamentally, th--; vehicle is intended for investigation on the scene of any crime. To supply sufficient power for two-way radio, the chassis was stripped of flu; standard six-volt ignition, batteries and lighting system and rewired throughout fbr 12-volt equipment. A new dynamo, coil, ;tarter, ammeter and dashboard were fitted. Both Lucas and CAN. cornponents were used, the conversion being earrieil out by the Edinburgh branch of Joseph Lucas, Ltd.

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The vehicle is fitted with an enginedriven alternator delivering 2kW at po volts for lighting and power when Mains power is not available. A total o300 yds. of 230-volt cable is carried t enable the mains to be tapped, and 7 ft. of 12-volt cable enable searchIi his and other electrical equipment to

b used at a distance from the van.

Controls for the two-way radio are i the driver's cab. The receivertr nsmitter itself is located in the nearsi e front of the body in a special c binet fitted with resilient mountings a d a rubber floor to prevent damage t the set.

At the rear, a tubular ladder, affixed t the near-side panelling beside the d or, gives access to the reinforced r of. from which observations may be made or photographs taken. Two brackets in the forward corners of the roof provide mounting points for searchlights. Power is obtained from a plug connected with the vehicle wiring. in the near-side bottom corner of the van.

Double skinning is used throughout. the body being completely lightproof. so that it can he used as a darkroom.

Four hit-and-miss ventilators are fitted and the sole window in the body has semi-opaque glass and a sliding shutter operating inside the interior panelling

between the skins. .1 Emergency rations, water and an oil heater are included in the extensive inventory. Fitted cases carry a camera and ancillary equipment and two footprint outfits. Compartments in the body house two more cameras, as well as films and stands, flash bulbs, a drawing board with instruments and paper, chemicals, tools and clothing.

A developing bench occupies the offside front corner of the van, whilst on the near side there is a longitudinal bench seat underneath which further equipment is stored. Even a.. metal hand barrow is carried.

no whit less diligent in adding tip the score on the credit side.

Debits are made against each department for every consignment carried, the rates being assessed annually, at more or less lowest market prices, on a zoning system. Before proceeding further, let me say that the transport manager is expected to show, and does show, a profit on this system..

This method sounds expensive, but, in fact, need not be so, for if simplicity be the aim, the records can in most cases be confined to a note of the charge in question entered on a transport requisition or on the retained copy of a delivery note, the departmental total being reached by entry of the items on an analysis sheet at monthly intervals Executives will agree that the function of the transport manager is to give the customer a degree of service that in many other circumstances would be impracticable. Difficulties are apt to arise, nevertheless, when


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