Hamilton needs new forensics centre

RE: Ferguson has forensic centre card up his sleeve (July 6)

A civilian forensic dentist for 30-plus years involved in homicide, domestic violence, child and senior abuse cases for municipal, provincial and international police services, I feel our Hamilton Police Service requires a modern forensic laboratory. With training and invitations from American agencies such as the FBI Academy (Quantico) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), I have seen what others have.

Responding in New York City to help identify victims at the World Trade Center 15 years ago, that city’s labs then hugely surpassed what we have in Hamilton today! Hamiltonians would be stunned knowing we have nothing even close to a CSI comparable laboratory.

Apart from city council’s funding requests from outside governments, facts remain that Hamilton needs an up-to-date forensic laboratory.

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson accurately stated, “the world of forensics has changed” and Hamiltonians definitely needs a modern centre “under one roof ” instead of depending on outsourcing. Having seen what exists in other jurisdictions, Hamiltonians would be stunned by what our investigators have to work with, putting major cases in serious potential jeopardy.

Current court protocol requires three separate forensic evidence results; one each for the victim, the accused and the crime scene. This necessitates proper modern equipment. A resolution must be reached by Hamilton councillors to assure Hamiltonian’s public safety. A new forensic centre would go a long way to bringing Hamilton into the 21st century.

Dr. Frank Stechey