Crime Scene and Physical Evidence Awareness in Terrorism Cases

Islamabad, 6 December 2019, UNODC and the European Union remain committed towards enhancing the professional skills of the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for effective counter mechanisms. In continuation to the previous training rollouts, UNODC under the PACT Project conducted a week-long training from 18 to 22 November 2019, at the Police School of Investigation Peshawar, on the previously developed module of 'Crime Scene Management'. 

Altogether 31 Investigation Officers from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and KP Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police attended the training. The aim of the training rollout was to equip the participants with knowledge on the significance of crime scene management, and the processes to be followed during investigation of a crime scene; using presentations, lectures, and case studies as instruments of imparting information. The participants successfully attained theoretical knowledge in the following key areas: Types of Crime Scene, Perimeters of Crime Scene, Contamination Control, and Stages of Crime Scene Investigation.

The training began with Mr Tariq Iqbal, Director Police School of Investigation Peshawar, reflecting on previous training sessions. He then laid the foundation for this training by highlighting the types of crime scenes as 'Outdoor, Indoor, and Conveyance Crime Scenes'. He also discussed primary and secondary types of crime scenes, and explained the concepts using a case study. Other elements dealt with included the importance of preserving the crime scene, and the list of respondents regarding the crime scene.

The training also featured presentations on Integrity of the Crime Scene; and Prevention of Crime Scene Contamination: with special emphasis on the role and powers of respondents - including the police - in cordoning off the crime scene, and on the initial response procedure. The participants were in addition taught the relevant laws, especially the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) that deal with integrity of terrorism related crime scenes.

The third and fourth day of training focussed on deliberation, and analysis by participants, on several case studies. Attendees were also assessed via a quiz moderated by the trainers. The trainers also discussed the Stages of Crime Scene Investigation in the light of ATA and evidence-based laws.

The week-long training concluded with presentations on several laws and legislatures regarding Evidence Collection during Crime Scene Management. Laws regarding collection of audio, video, firearms, and tools as types of evidence were discussed in detail. The participants appreciated the training as well as  its methodology.