Cooperation between the UNODC and  the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) in Punjab 

 

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), recently organised a forensic science technician  course for the personnel of the UNODC-developed mobile crime scene investigation units located in the districts of Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala. 

The UNODC has focused its efforts on these three districts in particular due to their high rates of crime and also  they are a priority areas for the Punjab Police. In order to enhance  the capacity of police investigation departments  in these districts. The UNODC developed mobile crime scene units (vehicles), which were designed in accordance with international standards and with the objective of meeting local needs. The  design and specification of equipment are used to replicate the mobile crime scene investigation unit developed by the Punjab Police. A total of  thirty-six of these mobile crime scene units have been distributed to every district in Punjab in order to assist the province's specialised homicide investigation units. This assistance plays a vital role in developing the capacities of law enforcement to effectively manage crime scenes (in particular to collect, preserve and process evidence).

The Director General of the PFSA, Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Tahir expressed appreciation for the UNODC's efforts, and stated that the PFSA is fully equipped to process physical evidence as per international standards.UNODC's support to the Punjab police in fact in-directly helps PFSA for  effective use of evidence and ensuring the proper collection, packaging and processing of evidence by the police, which is essential for transparent analysis.  

 Ms. Saba Sadiq, MPA (Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau), Government of Punjab,  also expressed her gratitude to the UNODC and assured the Government's continuous support for the Punjab Police and commitment long-term cooperation with the UNODC.