IN today’s world, forensic science is becoming an indispensible tool in crime -fighting and therefore, building capacity in this key area is not an option but rather an imperative, because the criminal enterprise is increasingly using science and technology in the execution of its nefarious activities.
In fact, in poor countries, where the resources are scarce or unavailable, law enforcement officials are finding it increasingly difficult to curb and solve crimes. In many instances, the criminals have superior financial, human, scientific and technological resources when compared to the law enforcement agencies.
Forensic science, in recent years, has become increasingly high profile, particularly as a result of advances in DNA. However, the development of forensic science has not been without controversy and there has been debate about public confidence, privacy and security issues, particularly regarding the expansion of the National DNA Database. The recent ruling in December 2008 by the European Court of Human Rights now means that thousands of DNA and fingerprint samples could be required to be removed from national databases after the court ruled that holding profiles of people with no criminal convictions breaches human rights laws. In addition, recent cases such as Damilola Taylor, Jill Dando and the Omagh Bombing have also served to raise the profile of forensic science, leading to some concerns about the reliability of forensic science evidence and quality standards. Through the introduction of the Forensic Science Regulator supported by the Forensic Science Advisory Council, these issues and concerns are being addressed.
Our country is now embarking on increasing forensic capacity and in this regard it was heartening to learn from Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee that the building to house our new forensic laboratory will soon be completed and efforts are ongoing to secure the requisite equipment for this much needed facility.
Most importantly, though, there should be strong focus on the development of adequate human resources to manage the facility effectively and efficiently and this process should begin now, because we should not find ourselves in a situation where we have the equipment and technology, but we do not have the requisite personnel to administer and manage the laboratory. Such a situation will obviously be counterproductive to the crime fight.
At the same time, we should review our law(s) governing crime and the justice system to ensure that they are legally compatible with the use of science and technology and therefore, such evidence will not be deemed inadmissible in the courts because if we allow such a situation to prevail it will be untenable and fruitless in the crime fight.
We have to bear in mind that most of our laws governing crime and the justice system were formulated at a time when the use of science and technology in crime fighting was not so prevalent and consequently, many of these laws may be outdated or irrelevant to the new dispensation.
In addition, developing DNA testing capacity should be treated with urgency and priority, since the continuing recourse of having DNA testing done abroad has many logistical difficulties and challenges. For one, it is a time-consuming process and would therefore prolong the time it takes to solve criminal cases, thereby delaying the course of justice.
On this note, it is encouraging to hear Minister Rohee acknowledging this specific challenge, and indicating that some experts will be brought from Barbados to assist with respect to DNA testing being done in this country.
Guyana’s crime fight is on the right track.