Police Forensics Also Getting Boost

Elodio Aragon Jr.

The Minister of State for Police also took on other issues relating to his ministry. With new equipment being added to the existing resources of the department to aid in crime fighting, is there an equal push to equip the National Forensics Science Services in solving crime?  It’s a question that was put squarely to the police minister earlier today.  Here’s his response on whether or not the forensics department will receive a much needed boost.

Elodio Aragon Jr., Minister of State, Police

“We have to always look at the Forensics Department and I think that one area when you look at the CABEI loan agreement, it also speaks to in terms of a new building for the Forensics Department and looking at where we can enhance capabilities.  You talk about toxicology, you talk about dealing with ballistics, there’s a lot of investment made in these areas, especially in the area of ballistics.  We need to lend more support for that to develop even better.  That would yield better results for us.  When you look at the other aspects of forensics, there‘s always a need for us to improve upon these and I will tell you definitely the Forensics Department needs to be more focused on.  I do believe that the support government is lending towards that is there but we need to do more in terms of working with the Forensics Department.  I know the CABEI loan will assist in infrastructure and in resources, that is equipment that we will need there.  Likewise, an increase in personnel.  I know we have hired two new scenes of crimes personnel and also there is room for two more by the end of this year.  So we are trying to get more manpower to assist in the forensics department but I foresee the Forensics Department playing a huge role.  You talk about D.N.A., these things are easier said than done.  Definitely, we do send D.N.A. out for testing but there is a lot more work that has to be done yet.”