What is meant by forensic criminal investigation? What are the hurdles in streamlining the forensic criminal investigation in Pakistan?

Introduction

"Forensic investigation is nothing more than the art of discovering truth." — Hans Gross

This quote explains the method of forensic investigation. Forensic investigation is the use of science to establish facts or evidence to be examined in criminal trials and proceedings. Forensic evidence is the specific evidence collected for the court, and it has major importance in criminal investigation: the crime scene must be protected, and the criminal apprehended and convicted for his act. In Pakistan it faces severe problems because of a lack of public awareness, forensic labs, funds, cooperation between the government and institutions, and degrees in the forensic sciences.

Importance of forensic criminal investigation

Forensic criminal investigation plays a great role in gathering data and proving the guilt of the culprit in court proceedings. Forensic sciences have become part of the law for identifying the causes of crime. They help identify dead bodies through DNA tests and establish criminal facts. In short, forensic science helps identify the culprit, identify dead bodies, clarify the type of criminal act and establish the facts of the crime.

Hurdles in streamlining forensic criminal investigation in Pakistan

1. Lack of educational degrees in forensic sciences. In Pakistan, forensic science is not widely offered as a subject of study. This reduces the efficiency of gathering forensic evidence. It should be taught as a sub-discipline in medical and related fields.

2. Limited job opportunities in the forensic science field. Pakistan provides limited opportunities for students, and there is no systematic mechanism for people to get jobs after completing their degrees.

3. Lack of extensive forensic labs in Pakistan. Pakistan lacks an extensive network of forensic labs for analysing evidence. These labs need a proper framework and equipment to work. Their absence hinders the speedy recovery of evidence.

4. Communication gap between the state and institutions. A gap exists between the state and its institutions. It leads to non-cooperation, which further delays the collection of evidence.

5. Lack of financial resources and funds for forensic investigation. Economic constraints reduce the country's spending on public sector projects. Forensic investigation needs proper materials and funds, and acquiring evidence has a cost.

6. Absence of training facilities for police officers. Police officers do not get proper training in how to collect and preserve evidence. They have no guidelines for collecting forensic evidence carefully, so the IO becomes dependent on private investigation.

7. Limited technological advancement and innovation in forensic sciences. Pakistan lacks advanced technology and innovation centres in the forensic sciences, which need advanced labs and departments to work effectively.

8. Lack of public awareness of forensic sciences. After a crime, people are often unaware of forensic science, which leads to evidence at the crime scene being altered. According to Locard's principle, anyone entering or leaving a crime scene either brings something in or takes something away.

Stages of collection of forensic evidence

Forensic evidence is collected in stages: (1) preservation of the crime scene with yellow tape and photography of the scene; (2) recovery of the entire area, and of the victims, after the crime; (3) collection of criminal evidence from the location; and (4) handing the evidence to a person in charge of it, the custodian of evidence. In short: photography, evidence collection, and custody.

How forensic criminal investigation takes place

Forensic criminal investigation looks at a crime from different angles. Evidence is collected from the angle of the bullet, blood patterns, duct tape and shell casings, and by locking up the crime area.

Conclusion

Forensic criminal investigation means the collection of evidence through the use of science. When science becomes part of the law, it is called forensic science, and it provides evidence for identifying the culprit. Streamlining forensic criminal investigation in Pakistan faces hurdles: a lack of degrees, limited opportunities, no extensive network of labs, and a gap between the government and institutions. The police lack training and modern equipment for collecting evidence. These hurdles should be reduced by taking effective measures.