East Africa: Experts call for increased forensic ability by law and justice agencies

BY EAST AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY

Forensic experts in East Africa have underscored the need for convergence in institutional set ups in the partner states, noting the importance of optimal utilisation of forensic capability within various state agencies in support of justice, law and order.

In particular, the experts singled out Burundi and expressed concern that the country’s police force had only rudimentary fingerprint and photographic services. The country does not have a well equipped forensic laboratory.

It was observed that there was need for the police in Burundi to set up a forensic laboratory with at least basic facilities.

In this regard, the Uganda Police extended an invitation for Burundi experts to visit the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory and explore how they could benefit from training their staff in Uganda; this would provide a starting point towards establishing a police forensic laboratory in Burundi. Uganda also invited Burundi to explore training opportunities for staff from the latter in basic forensics.

“The meeting further noted that offers by the other partner states to train forensic staff from Burundi still stood,’’ a delegate who requested for anonymity told the Independent East African News Agency (EANA).

The meeting of the Forensic Experts Working Group on Operationalisation of the Regional Forensic Referral Centre (RFRC) and brought together forensic experts drawn from the police and heads of government analytical laboratories from the partner states.

The purpose of the meeting was to expound on the operational functions of the RFRC; to develop a roadmap for establishment of the centre; to develop cooperation modalities/instruments for the centre; to develop an interim RFRC structure; and to identify funding and staffing modalities.

The session, held in Kampala, was chaired by Lenny Mugalu of Uganda, who is also his country's Head of Forensic Unit. It was opened by the EAC deputy secretary general in charge of political federation, Dr Julius Rotich, who underscored the importance of peace and security in the region for mutual development.

The meeting deliberated on the functions of the RFRC, taking note of its three original mandates, namely standards and quality control, provision of expertise, and training and research.

Participants observed that in addition to these three cardinal functions, the centre will also play a coordinating role for forensic services in the region. The centre in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat will at the same time spearhead programmes towards improving national forensic centres within the partner states.

It was agreed that before the RFRC is fully established and operationalised to maximum capacity, there is need to have a transitional period of three years commencing July 2013, in which the establishment and operationalisation modalities will be developed and accomplished.

The experts working group proposed that a meeting of legal experts to develop the legal instruments for the centre be held in March 2013.

Their report will be submitted the same month to the Chiefs of Police and the Sectoral Council on Inter State Security for policy guidance. The transition structure and staff will be expected to be in place by July 2013.

In the proposed transitional structure, the host will second the Regional Coordinator, while each of the other four partner states will provide forensic specialists. The position of Regional Coordinator will rotate among the partner states every three years.

Those appointed will be expected to have a broad knowledge of investigative processes, preferably in forensics.

Forensic science is playing an ever increasing role in the investigation and prosecution of crime. But challenges remain, including the lack of forensic network organisations in some regions of the world, particularly Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

There is lack of standardisation for forensic databases around the world for such data as DNA and fingerprints. Moreover, a lack of consistency between countries is hampering the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond to crimes and terrorist attacks.

The sharing of information is more valid - both scientifically and legally - when forensic scientists apply uniform testing methods.

Other difficulties that have been noted arise from differences in cultures, interests and expectations; language differences; and varying legal requirements and procedures.

Specific national legislation and national security clearance regulations can also inhibit the sharing of some information.  

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY (30/12/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=49574