The Science Office is the Ministry of Justice’s home for applied science, a team bringing expertise in foresight strategy, emerging technology and the natural, physical and behavioural sciences, to some of the justice system’s toughest challenges.
From countering drones that threaten prison security, to detecting drugs and health risks through wastewater, we are harnessing science to make justice smarter, safer, and more resilient. These are real-world problems that demand practical, evidence-based solutions, and that’s where we come in.
Our role is to turn scientific insight into action: testing technologies, running pilots, and scaling up approaches that protect people and strengthen services. We collaborate with frontline staff, policymakers, and partners across academia and industry, combining rigorous research with the urgency of public service delivery.
Turning ambition into action: our Research & Development missions
Our work is structured around seven ambitious missions, each targeting a critical challenge in justice:
Prison security
Keeping prisons secure isn’t just about stopping contraband, weapons or mobile phones, it’s about protecting the integrity of rehabilitation and maintaining environments where both staff and residents feel safe. Technologies like CCTV analytics, Smart clothing, Internet of Things and Counter-drone systems represent how innovation can meet emerging threats, ensuring that security keeps pace with the ways people may try to undermine it.
Prisoner health and drugs
Prisons reflect wider society, and the health challenges inside have ripple effects beyond the walls. Looking at innovative drug testing solutions like using wastewater to monitor drug use and health biomarkers, allows us to see problems earlier and respond more effectively. It’s about prevention, not just reaction, creating healthier prison communities and reducing the harms of drugs and disease.
Technology for community offender management
For many, rehabilitation happens outside prison. Exploring advanced supervision tools is about recognising that punishment and rehabilitation can be more flexible, personalised, human, and effective. Technology allows us to better support people in rebuilding their lives, while still keeping communities safe.
Data linking and AI
Justice depends on good decisions, and good decisions depend on good information. Linking data across probation, courts, and police helps create a fuller picture, while AI can help turn information into clearer, more timely advice. This isn’t about replacing judgment, but about enabling it to be better informed, more consistent, and fairer.
Tech for court efficiency / LawTech
Courts are under pressure, and delays affect everyone: victims, defendants, families, and staff. Tools like Deepfake detection, AI transcription and smarter scheduling are about assuring the system trust and integrity, freeing up human time and reducing bottlenecks, so justice is not only done but done more swiftly.
Behavioural Sciences
Interventions work best when they are designed with people in mind. By embedding behavioural insights into digital services, we move from treating symptoms to addressing underlying causes, helping people make better choices and reducing the chance of reoffending.
Estates resilience and adaptation
Justice services are public services, and climate change puts them at risk like any other. Ensuring our buildings and infrastructure can withstand environmental shocks is about protecting continuity of justice and safety for the public, even in uncertain times.
Looking Ahead
We are beginning to unlock the potential of science in justice, tackling issues as diverse as drones, drugs, health, and climate adaptation. But we’re only at the beginning. With new pilots launching and our capabilities expanding, we’re determined to keep pushing boundaries and delivering impact where it matters most.
For us, Justice science is not a distant ambition - it’s happening now, shaped by people who are curious, collaborative, and driven to make a difference. We’re building a team that thrives on tackling complex problems and applying science in ways that improve lives and strengthen society.
If you’re passionate about using science and innovation for public good, we want to hear from you. The challenges are big, but so is the opportunity: to help reimagine justice for the future.
