Forensic expert delivers CSI training to police force in Peru
An expert in crime scenes has been in Peru to help local police forces learn the techniques of forensic investigation.
Paul Stephens travelled 5,960 miles to Lima, the capital of Peru, to deliver specialist crime scene training to officers from the Peruvian National Police force.
Sixteen officers, including lieutenants, majors and captains, took part in the month-long course, which focused on UK methods of crime investigation.
In the normal course of his work Mr Stephens specialises in analytical research to prevent international cyber crime and intellectual property infringements.
But over the four weeks of training he delivered Mr Stephens instructed the Peruvian officers in a wide range of forensic techniques and practises, including the importance of accurate evidence gathering.
In the first week the training focused on photographic and video evidence recording and how this could be used for crime scene reconstruction. The second week explored DNA and trace evidence recovery and detailed how fingerprint powders and chemicals could contaminate this.
Week three covered fingerprint or footwear retrieval and its importance, while the final week saw the attendees face theory and practical assessments demonstrating what they had learned.
Mr Stephens, who works for the Anti-Piracy and Compliance team at CJCH Solicitors in Cardiff, said he was confident the training would provide far greater awareness of how to effectively police a crime scene to ensure the most accurate evidence was obtained.
He said: “Gathering evidence, and gathering it accurately, is absolutely crucial to the administration of justice in any country.
“Therefore evidence contamination is something that we work thoroughly to prevent by promoting these guidelines, which we in the UK follow stringently.”
He added: “It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to travel to Peru to work with the Peruvian National Police force to share our best practice in relation to crime investigation with them.
“I’m certain that through the skills they have obtained, evidence gathering and standards of crime scene investigation will be significantly enhanced, with all attendees now having far more awareness of the potential for evidence contamination.
“This was a fantastic and enormously worthwhile project to be a part of, and I look forward to hearing how this initiative enhances investigation standards in Peru.”
Peru has one of the highest reported crime rates in Latin America, according to the US Department of State, with armed robberies, assaults, kidnappings, carjackings, burglaries and petty theft described as a fact of life. Domestic terrorism has reduced in recent years but parts of the country are still under state of emergency due to terrorism or drug related gang violence.
In addition there is a rising problem of cyber crime, and counterfeiting and piracy are persistent problems.
The course was part of an ongoing education syllabus held in conjunction with the British Embassy Peru and AECOM.
CJCH Solicitors has more than 30 years’ experience in offering expert advice. Its team of solicitors is experienced in all aspects of legal enforcement to deliver tailored strategies and action plans to address global challenges.