Police Boss Introduces Cutting-Edge Technology for Tactical Squads
Police Boss Introduces Cutting-Edge Technology for Tactical Squads
Report by McDonald Azuju (Abuja)
The Intelligence Response Team is arguably the most vibrant and daring tactical squad of the Nigeria Police Force, following its ability to address high profile cases raging from kidnapping, robberies, as well as ending the reign of terror of many criminal gangs in Nigeria.
For many Nigerians, especially those who were victims of kidnappers, the creation of the team becomes a welcome development to addressing the vicious circle of insecurity in the country.
These fearless operatives thread riverine communities , forests and highways where criminals operate. They have also assist Police Commands in fighting crime to a standstill, even at the risk of their lives.
To empower this tactical squad and others, the Police High Command introduced cutting edge technology to policing in Nigeria , a move that resulted in significant breakthrough with more arrests of suspects and recovery of exhibits during operations.
But findings have shown that the Nigeria Police Force, which is the principal law enforcement and lead security agency in the country lacks modern day equipment in its forensic laboratory. This lacuna created by the absence of this modern day technology has hampered the Force at attaining its zest in investigations.
Most times, in the course of investigation of high profile murder, samples of evidence are taken outside the country where tests are conducted to help detectives in their investigations.
The poor or lack of forensic skills and equipment negatively impacts on the forensic investigation capacity of the Police and other security agents.
More so, forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system, as it entails examining and analysing evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes; or absolve innocent persons from suspicion.
Sadly, this impediment tends to further complicate the mystery of unresolved murders in a nation where politicians, journalists, human right activists, including very senior Military personnel have been assassinated without any forensic clue.
Another major challenge to scientific investigation is the way and manner the collection of physical evidence such as fingerprints, hair, fire arms, blood and related trace evidences are handled at the scenes of crime by policemen, before they are taken to the lab where experts analyze them for the primary purpose of establishing association among offenders, victims and other suspects arrested in connection with the crime.
Evidence can make a significant difference in criminal investigations and high profile murders, depending on the way it is handled. It can also go a long way to exonerating innocent persons arrested over a crime, or having innocent persons thrown into jails for offences they never committed.
