Dear Editor,

The recent Italian Court of Appeal decision in the Amanda Knox trial is a timely reminder of the need for players in the justice system to come up to speed with advancements in forensic science. By use of the word “players” I am referring to police officers, forensic analysts, defence counsel, crown counsel and judges.

Based on the criticisms of the Knox case, the Italian police blundered and I think we should “tek sleep mark death”. With our alarming crime rate it is imperative that more police officers receive indepth training and refresher courses in forensic science, crime scene investigation and the collection of evidence. I am aware of the existence of the Scene of Crimes Unit within the police force, but I believe that unit is understaffed and consequently unable to respond to all crime scenes requiring their expertise. Therefore, I propose that more police officers receive this specialised training. As it is often the CIB officers who respond to reports of crime, training should begin there but eventually extend to police officers from other departments.

The ministries of security and justice are encouraged to undertake the development of detailed protocols, particularly with respect to crime scene investigation and the collection of evidence, otherwise fighting crime is futile. In the absence of properly trained investigators, criminals will walk free. Forensic science is not the easiest topic to be understood and therefore one seminar in three years will not suffice for judges, prosecutors and defence counsel. All parties need to be on the same page if the justice system is to fulfil its mandate to “ensure that Jamaica is a just and law-abiding society with an accessible, efficient and fair system of justice for all”.

Nya Wright

Kingston