Police force has commissioned a forensic laboratory purposely to aid investigations of sophisticated crime incidents.
Superintendent of Police –SP Andrew Mubiru, the acting Director Forensic Services –DFS said the laboratory handles among other things ballistic and tools marks, crime identification, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives analysis and cybercrime.
Mubiru informed Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, who was the chief guest accompanied by deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Paul Lokech and other police directors that DFS has drastically contributed to policing and provided scientific evidence to link suspects to specific criminal acts, identify offenders and criminals using fingerprints and photographs, identify disaster victims using DNA and other scientific techniques.
Dr Zeija called upon police to invest more in forensic services in order to improve investigations capabilities. Dr Zeija said DFS laboratory will not only support a speedy investigation but also improve the conviction rates (in Courts of law) hence the need to invest more resources in it.
Citing an example where he faced a challenge to convict a man who had raped a dump and deaf girl, Dr Zeija he had to rely on victim’s mother to interpret her explanation. Dr Zeija said forensic evidence is very crucial in investigation and simplifies prosecution.
“The crime is becoming sophisticated and technology advancement keeps changing with time hence more training and investment in such machinery is needed” Dr. Zeija said. Police was urged to train more officers especially in forensic science in order to have more man power to run the facility.
Dr Zeija said there should be coordination and integrations of DATA Base between institutions like Police, NIRA, DPP and Court for the success of the project. “It makes sense for you to develop all the DNA Profile and if you bring them to court. The DPP must be in position to appreciate what is being done here to achieve a conviction,” the Principal Judge said.
Maj Gen Lokech who represented the IGP Martin Ochola said police management is committed to building a modern and professional force in the country. According to Lokech, their major focus as police leaders is to rebuild and transform the institution into a modern, professional, service oriented and pro-people and effective force.
“Key among the challenges has been the capacity gaps in terms of use of robust scientific methods of intelligence gathering and crime investigation,” Lokech said.