2014 saw around 2,500 cases involving the forensic unit, this newsroom has been told.

Home Minister Carmelo Abela was attending the NSTS Science Expo at Mcast. He said that around 1,900 digital imprints were used, 112 of which resulted in a positive match. This means that the imprints positively matched up with suspects in a particular case.

Statistics shown revealed that around 18 genetic profiles were entered into the DNA database, seven of which resulted in positive hits.

Currently, around 40 officers work within the forensic department.

Inspector Ryan Caruana gave a presentation during the Forensic Unit Educational Interactive Sessions, about chemical enhancement analysis and how the department finds and evaluates evidence.

The Minister was shown a number of exhibits operated and worked on by students at the Expo, including one on green-house gasses and one on evaporation.