More forensic training to come for local police

Facilitators of a two-day forensics workshop for members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Forces have promised advanced follow-up training for the officers.{{more}}

Hector Sotolongo, coordinator of the Florida Federal State Partnership Program, which partners with the East Caribbean and Regional Security Services nations, indicated that within the next six months or so, a similar workshop will be held in an effort to expand on what was learnt here last week.

On July 28th and 29th, the detectives, along with technical staff received theoretical training aimed at enhancing their forensic capabilities.

Sotolongo described the two-day workshop as effective, and hinted that there were more to follow.

“I think that the objective was achieved in that we were trying to identify the specifics required of the Eastern Caribbean as far as forensic evidence.

“We are thinking of conducting another one, bringing forensic scientists and having some practical exercises that would make exchange more complete.”

The coordinator said that the methods used here to gather, preserve and analyze evidence were incredibly close to those of international standards, and hoped that more training, as well as improved facilities will make it easier for the law enforcement officers.

He said that on the next visit, forensic scientists in the field of drugs, weapons and anatomy – the areas where regional police need the most assistance – would be more likely to attend to impart their knowledge to the participants.

Commenting on the tv shows like CSI-Miami, which make the work of police officers and forensics experts look like a piece of cake, Sotolongo claimed that these shows are no where near real life.

“According to real crime scene investigators, they are not very close. The tv shows are for more dramatic effect; real life takes longer for investigations to put together; months sometimes.”

The international facilitators included Detective Paul O’Leary, forensic expert Hector Cerrato and forensic department head Angie Hosford. (JJ)