Increasing Use of Forensic Evidence During Investigations, the ‘Support for Capacity Development in the Criminal Investigative Services in Pakistan’ (CIS) Programme aims at increasing the standards of forensic evidence recovered from the crime scene and its submission to laboratories.
Within Pakistan, there are a number of forensic laboratories staffed by experts with the knowledge and technical skills to examine most kinds of evidence. However, their work is often compromised by the poor recovery of the items submitted to them. Frequently, evidence collection measures lack processes to prevent contamination, packaging to prevent damage to exhibits and basic integrity measures. Knowledge gaps on a part of investigators and legal professionals as to the value of the forensic evidence are often cited as a further obstacle. These shortcomings considerably reduce the value of the results generated by the laboratory and their further use during the investigation and prosecution of a criminal case.
The German Federal Foreign Office funded CSI facilities for the training of investigative and prosecutorial personnel in forensic skills aim at addressing these issues. In addition to the development of mock crime scene training rooms, a series of training modules on crime scene investigation are being developed, focusing specifically on the practical recording and recovery of evidence.
Three mock crime scene facilities in the Sindh Province (PTC Saeedabad, PTC Shahdadpur and Karachi Forensic Laboratory) and one in Punjab Province (PFSA) have been developed. A further training room in Punjab Province (PTC Sihala) is currently being constructed.
These training facilities will each contain at least one set of scenario rooms and a linked classroom. The scenario rooms will have Close Circuit TV which allows any practical exercises to be viewed in live time and also to be viewed later by participants. The CCTV systems should be installed by March 2016.
Locally procured crime scene training kits, with stock to allow replenishment of these kits, will be supplied to ensure the training is conducted using quality products that are available locally. These custom-made kits are designed to complement the training modules.
Keeping in mind the shortage of qualified and experienced forensic trainers, the courses and modules are based on “easy to grasp” teaching methods so they may be taught by qualified trainers who may not have a background in forensic recovery. They are designed to be taught to a wide range of personnel, including first responders, police investigators, senior officers, prosecutors and judges.
The modules contain short presentations alongside instructional demonstration videos which then allow the student to complete practical exercises. Mock crime scenes within the scenario rooms allow the so-trained skills to be practiced in realistic situations.
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