rime scene and evidence management in focus of UNODC-supported training of forensic experts in Turkmenistan

17 – 18 March 2021, UNODC-supported a two-day online training on Crime scene and Evidence management for 20 forensic experts of the Centre for Criminological Research under the Ministry of Interior of Turkmenistan and Central Forensics Laboratory and Pathoanatomical Department under the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan.

 

The training aimed at developing forensic experts’ capacity on international requirements for forensic examination process and the importance of cooperation between the parties involved in forensic activities, as well as actions carried out at the scene of the crime and in the forensic laboratories.  

«The training was very useful for the staff of the Central Forensic Bureau under the Ministry of Health and Medical industry of Turkmenistan. The knowledge gained during the training will be further applied by our experts in practice. We are grateful to UNODC for organizing training and continuous support aimed at improving the professional skills and knowledge of our staff», said Ms. Sakhra Artykova, Head of the Department of Forensic Chemistry of the Central Forensic Bureau under the Ministry of health and medical industry of Turkmenistan.

 

As the training result, experts strengthened their knowledge in international requirements towards crime scene and evidence management and were introduced to the best practices in the forensic processes. 

Ms. Daiva Jakubauskiene, International Consultant highlighted the complex process of forensic activities, which include the examination of a wide range of objects. She stressed that the development of general guidelines and procedures is a tool that harmonizes the methods of work of the investigating authorities and forensic experts from different divisions or departments.

“Standardizing the way forensic data is collected, analyzed, interpreted and presented is critical to the overall approach to the use of evidence. This allows information to be exchanged between jurisdictions which is critical for the successful rehabilitation of the innocent or the prosecution of those responsible”, Ms. Daiva Jakubauskiene outlined.

 

 “Collaboration between forensic experts and investigative authorities yields effective results, increasing the reliability, transparency and confidence in the examination of evidence and expert’s reports presented for trial”, she concluded.

Training-courses conducted with the support of UNODC on development of forensic experts’ capacities from two laboratories under the Ministry of Interior of Turkmenistan aimed at their preparation to obtain internationally recognized accreditation based on international standard ISO/IEC 17025 which demonstrates the high quality, accuracy and reliable testing results provided. To obtain accreditation, it is necessary to develop а quality management system within its framework and various procedures are to be developed.

The training was a part of the UNODC initiative on “Strengthening forensic services in Turkmenistan” implemented with the financial support from the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

 Article in Russian language 

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For more information, please contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

UNODC Communication and PR Specialist in Central Asia

At +996775987817 WhatsApp or Telegam or by

e-mail: vasilina.brazhko[at]un.org