NOW that the state-of-the-art Forensic Laboratory is nearing completion, at Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is assuring that it has highly trained ranks capable of using scientific evidence to trace crimes and lead to successful prosecutions.

Giving the assurance, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said, that at present, there are suitably qualified personnel manning the existing GPF Laboratory at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary, also in Georgetown and such persons will be added to the staff when the new facility is opened.
He said, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, there have been continuous efforts to train ranks and some will be transferred to the FL, which would be managed under the ministry.
Persaud pointed out that all ranks and personnel attached to the present GPF lab are graduates of universities and the courses they have covered proved they are qualified for the positions they, currently, hold.
The Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) explained, that with the number of unsolved murders plaguing the GPF, DNA is necessary and in demand; proving  to be very useful in solving crimes, especially those described as ‘cold cases’.
He said not only the GPF will benefit but also the Private Sector and, eventually, DNA testing will be done at the Forensic Lab because the government has indicated that it should be a feature there.

GAPS
Persaud added, that when the Forensic Lab opens, gaps will be addressed by the ministry as they relate to the heads of the various departments.
Meanwhile, works at the Dennis Street site are moving swiftly and the massive structure has since been painted and will soon be furnished with equipment.
A significant amount has been done at the place which is situated within the precincts of the University of Guyana (UG).
The Forensic Lab will put Guyana’s capability on par with those in the developed world and allow for a high level of confidentiality, credibility and integrity between law enforcement agencies and the public, Persaud stated.
A US$1.688M contract was signed by the Ministry and Western Scientific Company to equip it and the installed equipment will make the Forensic Lab the best such in the Caribbean, that could withstand scrutiny from any other in the world.
The sod for the building was turned in September 2010 and the project will cost $700M ($500M for its construction and $200M for equipping it), through procedures now before the National Procurement Tender Board.
The Forensic Lab is the product of an agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as part of the institutional strengthening component of the Citizen Security Programme (CSP).
Up to now, the GPF has been at a disadvantage in carrying out effective investigations into criminal matters, resulting in unsolved cases.
However, the coming into being of this lab will, significantly, improve local forensic capabilities and enhance the security sector.
Government is cognisant of the need for more advanced technology to better the crime fighting capacity of the GPF and has taken several groundbreaking initiatives to ensure that the security sector is fully geared to deal with emerging challenges.