I-G urges policemen to take crime scene management seriously

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, on Monday called on officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to take crime scene management seriously.

Idris, who was represented by DIG Training, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, made the call at the commencement of a Crime Scene Management Training at Police Training School, Ikeja.

The event was organised for 20 police officers from different Commands in the country.

The programme which will last eight days was organised in partnership with German Development Co-operation and would train the police officers on forensics, how to collect data at crime scenes and how to take photograph and finger prints.

Emphasising the importance of effective crime scene management, the I-G said that the concept of crime scene investigation was very critical in police duties.

“The basic raw materials for forensic analysis in crime investigation are obtained at the crime scene.

“Effective and timely crime scene management and investigation will in most cases result in a positive outcome.

“Whereas a shoddy crime scene investigation often produces unresolved cases by the police which leads to failure of criminal charges in court,” he said.

He commended the organising partners and urged participants to pay rapt attention during the exercise in order to acquire the latest investigation skills and assimilate new techniques in crime scene investigation.

The Deputy Project Manager, Mr Harmut Zander, also said that the importance of the training was to get accurate investigation and fair trial for suspects.

“When you go out, tell other policemen the importance of forensics as this training will teach you what to do at crime scenes.

“This will also make the people to have confidence in you whenever you go to court,” Zander said.