Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, has started a three-day training session for Crime Scene Unit (CSU) Officers, Sindh Police.
A total of 30 CSU Officers attended the first day of the training session held at the L.E.J. National Science Information Center. However, a total of 90 Crime Scene Unit Officers will participate in the three-day training sessions.
In her inaugural speech, ICCBS Director Acting Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen welcomed the participants on behalf of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General.
She said that SFDL was regularly conducting comprehensive training sessions for Police medico-legal and prosecution departments and judiciary. These training sessions are designed for various stakeholders separately catering their official needs, she maintained.
She informed the participants that more than 5000 cases of DNA analysis had been done in the state-of-the-art Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory so far.
SFDL In charge and Project Director Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, in his speech, discussed the technological advancement in the field of forensic DNA analysis. He said that forensic DNA was an important modern-age tool which had gained much attention recently in most criminal and civil matters.
He said, “This training session is designed to focus on sample collection from different case scenarios, their labeling and transport to the SFDL for submission maintaining the chain of custody.”
He also described the establishment of the state-of-the-art facility of forensic DNA analysis, which is developed according to international standards containing qualified and trained staff and highly advanced technology. The officers also participated in the hands-on training session at the mock crime scene of the SFDL for sample collection,
labelling and packing, and documentation.
At the end of the first day, the participants of the training session paid a visit to Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory.
