Forensic Department police officers from the Scene of the Crime Unit followed a five-week course by the Netherlands Forensic Institute, the first of its type for the past 20 years.

Training included touch DNA sampling, scene of the crime photography, investigation, and securing evidence in serious crimes. 

Photo: Keith Micallef

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela this morning visited the participants, who were sitting for their exams, at the Ta' Kandja Police Academy.

On Friday, participants will prepare a report on a mock murder scene and submit it to a 'court' for evaluation.

Addressing the media, Mr Abela noted that the forensic unit's assistance was sought 3,300 times in the past two years.

Request varied from CSI ballistics, documents examination and fingerprint comparison.

Since last year, 10 officers successfully followed courses abroad in the detection of false documentation, fingerprint analysis, e-DNA software, disaster victim identification and firearms strategy in the aspects of law. Another five officers will be attending more courses in the coming months.

Mr Abela said that the Netherlands Forensic Institute was among the world's best. He pointed out that the last time that officers were given such training was in 1996. Since then, CSI personnel had been learning from their colleagues.

"This kind of approach does not reflect our ambitions for a modern police force, so we intend to provide continuous professional training to the force," Mr Abela said.