UNODC Equips Tunisia’s Crime Scene First Responders

21st April 2021 - Tunis, Tunisia

First responding officers start the forensic evidence preservation and chain of custody at the initial crime scene. The availability and use of quality forensic science services and equipment are essential to support their work and that of law enforcement. In court, solid forensic evidence is key for justice systems and impartial trials to bring justice to the victims and the truth to their families.

In this regard, UNODC supports the Tunisian Ministry of Interior (MoI) with technical assistance through, amongst other key elements, providing tailored Crime Scene First Responder kits. This will enable Tunisian first responders from the MoI, notably National Security (DGSN), National Garde (DGGN), and Civil Protection (ONPS) in securing and documenting crime scenes and forensic evidence with advanced technology devices.

A total of 40 kits were delivered at the MoI during a ceremony attended by representatives of the respective Tunisian Internal Security Forces, UNODC, and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (USA - INL), the main funding partner for this initiative.

Ms. Stephanie Caubet, UNODC’s Regional Forensics Advisor affirmed at the ceremony that “Under our program strengthening forensic services and chain of custody in the MENA region we continue our fruitful collaboration with the Tunisian authorities by delivering this set of kits. We are grateful to our donors, the INL, for their generous support and their commitment to supporting the whole process. We are confident that these kits will help achieve rigorous crime scene investigations.”

The director of Multilateral Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Interior also expressed his gratitude for the kits that will allow practitioners from DGSN, DGGN, OPC to conduct effective investigations thus strengthening the forensic capabilities of Tunisia.

“We are proud to support the Tunisian government in its efforts towards achieving SDG16 (Peace, Justice and Strong institutions). This action follows the latest efforts made by our Office in Tunisia such as the provision of digital forensic equipment as well as the decontamination units to isolate and test travelers at borders crossing points and at the Tunis Carthage airport,” Ms. Caroline Burgers, UNODC Head of Office a.i. added.

The INL representative and Senior Police Advisor: “We are honoured to continue collaboration with UNODC in supporting the Tunisian MoI forensics capacities. The US has already shown its commitment towards the people of Tunisia in collaboration with UNODC cybercrime branch and continue to do so with the Forensics program by supporting Tunisia’s MoI with cutting-edge Crime Scene First Responder kits.”

For more information:

UNODC and Tunisian law enforcement boost crime scene and forensics' investigation

Tunisia: UNODC provides five COVID-19 decontamination units with support from the European Union

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