KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security says it has invested more than $161 million to build new facilities (The Annex) at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM) in an effort to have more robust processing of evidence related to criminal matters.

According to a release from the ministry today, the construction of the Annex began in November, and will replace temporary containers being used at the facility.

It is also expected to house the DNA Database, a training/conference room, library and provide storage for exhibits.

Security Minister Robert Montague said the investment, which is to be completed in June, is part of the general thrust by the ministry to strategically use science and technology in the fight against crime.

In 2014, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Legal Medicine Unit (LMU) were merged to form the IFSLM which is the chief testing lab for the Government of Jamaica.

The institute has the responsibility of conducting scientific forensic examinations and analyses on all forms of evidence submitted by the police and other agencies as well as doing post mortems in cases of violent, sudden or suspicious deaths.