Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Protection and Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista gave an overview of the training taken by the Malta police scene of the crime officers by the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) Scene of Crime Experts at the Academy for Disciplined Forces. The two-week course was delivered by NFI experts Paul Van Den Hoven and Martin Ross, and 12 Malta police officers participated in the course.

Debattista explained that forensic science is the responsibility of medicine, the intricacy of law, and the universality of science. "It is with great pleasure to see the work of the Malta Laboratories Network move towards the evolvement of excellence in the scientific scenario", Debattista concluded. 

Minister Michael Farrugia said that forensic science is critical to prosecution. Law enforcement and judicial authorities must be confident that the forensic data they rely on is of high quality and up to international standards.

"The Forensic Science Laboratory is in the process of building a completely new building with state-of-the-art equipment and latest technology. We have to upgrade to modern Forensic techniques and methodologies. So far accreditation has already been attained in the fields of fingerprinting and DNA. Sciences and hi-tech evolves day by day in this crime field. Continuous training, specialisation and expertise of personnel are vital in the forensic area as well as the relevant equipment. We aim to have certified trained personnel who can serve their respective duties in the most effective manner, meeting the trends presented in a complex evolving scenario", said Minister Farrugia.

In 2016, NFI delivered a 5-week training course that focused on DNA Sampling, Scene of Crime photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, investigation and securing of evidence in serious crimes amongst other topics. The police officers will undergo another training course in March that complements these past days' course. Topics include General Crime Scene management, Basic Forensic principles and theories, basic and new methodology of recording a crime scene amongst others.

Chairperson of the Malta Laboratories Network Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott, Police Inspector Charlot Casha, and Martin Ross participated in the conference, whilst high officials from the Malta Police Force and the Dutch Ambassador to Malta Frank Keurhorst were also present.