Cell Site Analysis- are you getting what it says on the tin?

We have considered the various options available should you be required to instruct a cell site analysis expert.

For many defence lawyers there is a need to obtain up to three quotes in order to comply with the requirements from the Legal Aid Agency.  So where do you get three quotes from?  It is likely that somewhere along the way the internet will be utilised.  Searches will lead to many web sites offering cell site analysis services, but be warned, the majority of such ‘providers’ do not have a cell site expert in house and therefore have only three options open to them; to have an unqualified person create a report, outsource the enquiry to another company or to decline your request.

 

There are several reputable companies who do employ suitably qualified cell site analysis experts. However a recent review by ourselves provides a simple suitability indicator; if the company web site does not identify who their cell site experts are and further what their appropriate experience is in the field of cell site analysis, then you may be wise to ask further questions.

The above advice has been provided in response to some recent significant cases that have revealed both Crown and defence experts having shared commercial interests as well as another case when the Crown needed to introduce drastic last minute analysis as the original report was produced by a company without a suitable expert…for the prosecution!

Of course, our observations are only meant to highlight the problems that you are likely to encounter, but check it out for yourself.  You will find reputable companies with their own cell site analysis experts are likely to tell you which other companies have qualified experts in house. You may be surprised how few there are, in reality!