Govt. allocates $250M for technology, forensic science to combat crime

Jan 31, 2024 News

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Kaieteur News – This year, the Government of Guyana (GoG) plans to invest $250 million of the whopping $30.3 billion budgetary allocation for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to invest in forensic science and technological advancements to address crime.

This was disclosed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on Monday at the opening of a training programme in Restorative Justice at the GPF Officers’ Mess Hall at Eve Leary, Georgetown.

“We are investing in these programmes and policies right across the divide. We have recognised, like the rest of the world that we have to change our approach to investigation if we are going to succeed,” he said.

“With the technological changes that are taking place across the globe, crime has not remained stagnant. The criminal has wised up. The criminal takes advantage of technological changes.” Nandlall highlighted.

Based on a report issued by the GPF, the $250 million allocation will facilitate training programmes, both locally and regionally, in improving the forensic capabilities of the force.

The report stated that a pivotal development in this initiative is the operationalisation of a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis workflow system acquired in 2022. This state-of-the-art technology has reportedly bolstered forensic crime-fighting capabilities within the GPF. In the previous year, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) analyzed a significant number of biology cases, involving over 900 DNA specimens.

Nandlall highlighted the importance of evolving law enforcement techniques in response to these changes, noting, “In the face of that, we can’t have the same type of approach to policing, which we may have 30 years ago. So, we are investing heavily in forensic science, in all forms.”

Additionally, over 30 police officers and five officers from the Ministry of Human Services will receive fully paid scholarships to India for training in forensic interviews.

Nandlall pointed out that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) – a GoG initiative which seeks to offer Guyanese an opportunity to advance their education through online and distance learning (ODL) mode – scholarship programme, has been expanded to include dozens of disciplines in forensic investigative methods and techniques, as well as social programmes and counselling programmes.

“I’m pleased to report that dozens of police and social workers have been enrolled in our GOAL scholarship programmes to take advantage of these opportunities,” Nandlall said, as he explained that the initiative not only enhances the technical skills of law enforcement personnel but also integrates social service perspectives into their training.

The GFSL’s performance in 2023 paints a picture of a robust and evolving forensic capability.

According to the police report, the laboratory performed analyses in 606 cases, involving over 9,000 pieces of individual evidence. These cases encompassed a wide range of substances and evidence types, marking a significant improvement from the 551 cases processed in 2022.

In 2023, the laboratory improved its capabilities by being able to identify corrosive substances and new psychoactive substances. This enhancement reflects the government’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving criminal methodologies. DNA testing at the GFSL involves comparisons and matching of evidence to suspects, family testing (even when the suspect’s DNA is unavailable), and paternity testing. A wide range of samples, including cheek cells, hair, blood, and touch DNA, can be collected and submitted for testing.

The GFSL was established in 2014 and comprises four analytical departments -toxicology, documents, trace evidence, and chemistry. The lab also has six non-analytical departments, namely security, quality system, information system, facilities operation, evidence, and administration.

The lab has also significantly upgraded its DNA testing capabilities. With newly improved instrumentation, the laboratory can now test challenging samples such as bones, fingernail clippings, and liver tissue. This advancement plays a crucial role in positive identification cases involving unknown remains.

Nandlall said the implementation of these advanced technologies and training initiatives represents a holistic approach by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to crime fighting in Guyana.

He pointed out that by investing in state-of-the-art forensic science and equipping law enforcement personnel with modern investigative techniques, the government is taking a proactive stance in ensuring public safety and security.

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• allocation, Forensic Science, money, police, technology

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