KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The analytical capability of the State-run Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine has been boosted with the acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) valued at approximately $42.3 million (US$328,000).

The state-of-the-art equipment enables the laboratory to better analyse trace evidence such as gunshot residue, paint and glass fragments, among other elements, which are collected by the police from crime scenes.

It was provided by the United States (US) Bureau of International Narcotics and law Enforcement Affairs, with support from the US Embassy in Jamaica.

The SEM was formally presented to State Minister for National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, by US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno, during a handover ceremony at the Institute on Hope Boulevard, St Andrew yesterday.

Charles, who welcomed the provision, said it would greatly assist in strengthening the accuracy of investigations by the police and other law-enforcement agencies.

It will also provide stronger and more substantive empirical evidence for successful prosecution.

While acknowledging that the SEM’s acquisition would not solve all of Jamaica’s crime challenges, Senator Charles said it represents a significant step in the right direction in “strengthening the links in the chain towards achieving justice”.

Ambassador Moreno, for his part, said the provision of the equipment represents a long-term investment in Jamaica’s crime-fighting capability.

“This is part of our ongoing efforts to work with the security forces. We are very much committed to this partnership we have in Jamaica and solving these issues that we have in criminality (as they) affect both our countries,” Moreno said, while reaffirming the Embassy’s ongoing support.