RAWALPINDI: A ‘crime scene training facility’ was established at Police Training College Sihala on Friday to strengthen inter-institutional coordination among police and prosecution by collecting, preserving and presenting evidence from the crime sc ene.

The facility has been set up with the support of the German foreign office which allocated 4.7 million euros for such facilities in Pakistan (Punjab and Sindh) in two years.

The aim of the programme is to increase the standard of evidence collection from the crime scene, its preservation and presentation.

The training facility contains at least one set of scenario rooms and a linked class room. The scenario rooms have close circuit TV cameras which allows exercises to be viewed live by participants.

Additional Inspector General of Police Punjab Mohammad Usman Khattak inaugurated the training facility.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Usman Khattak said Germany was playing a key role in enhancing the capacity and training of the Punjab police.

He said several new police wings, line Dolphin force and Special Protection Unit were launched in Punjab to control street crime and provide protection to foreign experts working on different development projects.

Dr Shoaib Suddle, former inspector general of police, said collection of evidence, its preservation and presentation played a vital role in bringing culprits to justice.

Dr Suddle said training on modern lines was a prerequisite for solving routine crime.

Commandant Police College Sihala Sohail Habib Tajik presented a vote of thanks to Germany for its support in establishing the facility.

Published in Dawn December 3rd, 2016