Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond says efforts are underway to strengthen Guyana’s Forensic Laboratory so that evidence from criminal investigations can be processed locally, reducing the need to send samples overseas.
In criminal investigations, Walrond said evidence processing remains another critical area, particularly when it comes to preserving evidence while a case is before the courts.
To this end, Walrond said work is being done to expand the capabilities of the Forensic Laboratory, allowing Guyana to conduct more testing locally instead of sending samples abroad.
“We are also building up the capacity of the Forensic Lab so that we are able to process our own evidence right here in Guyana so our samples don’t have to be sent abroad,” Walrond said during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast.
She identified ballistic and toxicology testing among the areas where greater local capacity is being developed.
According to Walrond, the lack of capacity to conduct certain tests has previously affected criminal cases, particularly where authorities were unable to test a particular weapon or determine the presence of a specific drug.
“Many times in some cases we didn’t have the capacity to test a particular weapon or to test for a specific drug; the cases have all faltered,” she said.
The ability to properly process and preserve evidence, Walrond said, is critical to building strong cases and securing convictions.
“A thorough and robust investigation helps to secure a conviction, which is what you ultimately want,” she said, adding that the ultimate objective is for “the perpetrator to feel the penalty of the crime.”
She said significant resources are also being invested in building the capacity of the Police, noting that 500 police officers have already received training in evidence processing.
According to Walrond, investigative capacity has improved, including through the use of technology aimed at reducing reliance on eyewitness accounts. She pointed to the use of cameras as one example.
She also highlighted the importance of training police officers in taking statements and handling evidence. She explained that statements obtained from witnesses and victims must be prepared in a way that allows them to withstand scrutiny in court.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
