The forensic police investigated more than 1600 cases in 2016, and took part in 952 court sittings, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said today. 

Forensic examination in fingerprint comparison and DNA matching conducted by the Police Forensic Laboratory were recognised as 'excellent' and in conformity with international standards. This, he said, is a sign of trust in the abilities of the Forensic Police on the presentation of competent evidence in the Law Cours for better justice with victims of crime.

This minister also announced that technical processes utilised by the Police Forensic Laboratory in these sectors, for the third consecutive year, kept the highest of standards and were accredited by the National Accreditation Board. “This followed inspections by both local and European auditors of management processes and the abilities of Forensic Police”.

Minister Abela explained that during criminal investigations, the elevation of trace of evidence from scene of crimes alone is not sufficient. For evidence to be used by prosecutors and seen as relevant by the  Law Courts, this has to pass from an analytical process and preserved in the highest possible standards.

Minister Abela quoted from the annual report of the National Accreditation Board. "It was noted that the competence of the Laboratory was well maintained and that the laboratory documentation complied with the requirements. The personnel were found to be sufficiently competent for the proper execution of the annalysis. The internal quality assurance programs were maintained and new personnel have joined the laboratory and have been successfully trained". 

He added that in 2017, the process of accreditation in the examination process of false documentation, CCTV records and chemical enhacement will commence.

Minister Abela stated that for the upkeep of such accreditation required investment in both equipment and abilities of police. "With an investment of around €160,000 this modernisation process began. Amongst others, fingerprint comparitors were bought to facilitate the comparison of fingerprints elevated from the scene of crime with police database. A Drone was also bought to take aerial views of the whole scene of the crime together with proper lighting, and latest technological cameras/videocameras".

Minister Abela made empashis on the increase in opportunities for specialised forensic training. "In 2016 around 40 forensic police were trained in renowned academic institutions. These included more than 20 courses in areas like examination of false documents and counterfeits, mobile forensics, chemical enhancement and fingerprinting in UK, Italy, Spain and Belgium".