Forensic science officers paving the way to solve crime

Forensic experts of Bạc Liêu Province Police conduct chemical analysis to assist in the investigation of local criminal cases. VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Nguyễn

BẠC LIÊU The Bạc Liêu Police have achieved numerous successes, earning the trust of authorities and the public.

Among these accomplishments is the vital work of the forensic science team, known as the 'trace seekers', who play a key role in solving criminal cases and supporting crime prevention efforts, thus maintaining social order and safety in the province.

Forensic science, which is essential for ensuring public security, uses scientific and technical methods to investigate cases, guide investigations and reinforce evidence in the fight against crime.

Lieutenant Colonel Phùng Đăng Minh, deputy head of the Forensic Science Department of the Bạc Liêu Province Police, highlighted the significant progress in the province’s forensic science efforts. The expertise of forensic examiners and technicians has improved at all levels, enhancing their ability to meet the needs of judicial authorities and other agencies in combating crime. Coordination between the forensic science team and police units has also become more effective.

Each year, the forensic team in Bạc Liêu handles hundreds of complex cases, such as murder, robbery, assault, rape and drug-related crimes. Their meticulous work in collecting forensic and physical evidence provides a scientific basis for assessing these incidents, determining criminal activity, and swiftly supporting investigations, prosecutions and trials.

With a deep passion for their chosen profession, forensic science officers and soldiers constantly strive to overcome challenges and excel in their duties. The force always ensures they are on duty and ready to respond, especially during holidays, Tết holidays, and peak crime-fighting periods, to promptly meet the demands of crime scene examinations when cases occur, particularly major cases requiring the identification of 'hot traces' to track down the perpetrators.

One example, the murder and robbery case that occurred around 6pm on January 18, 2023, where a man's body was found by local residents near a road in the Gò Cát - Cái Cùng sea dyke area in Đông Hải District. The forensic science team quickly arrived at the scene, conducted examinations, performed forensic autopsies and coordinated with other units to gather relevant evidence.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Duy Long, head of the Forensic Science Department of the Bạc Liêu Province Police, said: "Forensic examiners and technicians worked with criminal investigators to extract CCTV footage, quickly identifying the perpetrator and recognising specific details about the clothing and items the suspect was carrying. These crucial pieces of evidence and identification details helped the investigators quickly identify and apprehend the perpetrator within just 30 hours of the crime."

Fingerprint analysis have been improved greatly thanks to new innovations. VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Nguyễn

Benefits from new technologies

The forensic examination activities of the forensic science force have also made significant contributions, not only through the development of more specialised fields of forensic examination each year, but also through the tangible quality and effectiveness of these examinations.

Some fields, although newly implemented, have already proven successful and provided strong support for investigations. These include forensic chemistry, drug content analysis, digital and electronic forensic analysis, among others.

Moreover, traditional forensic fields such as document examination, fingerprint analysis and technical examinations continue to yield positive results, with numerous innovations and improvements enhancing the quality of forensic activities.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Đức Phong, deputy head of the Criminal Police Department of the Bạc Liêu Province Police, the coordination in investigating and solving cases clearly demonstrates that forensic examiners are highly skilled and responsible professionals dedicated to their work.

Regardless of the time, when receiving requests for examination, the examiners quickly begin their work with the principle of being "careful, meticulous, prompt, and efficient" to produce accurate, objective and legally sound examination conclusions, providing investigators with a solid foundation for effectively combating crime, ensuring correct prosecution and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.

The Bạc Liêu Province Police have focused on strengthening and refining the functions, tasks, powers, organisational structure and staff of the forensic science force at all levels to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their specialised work.

This includes training and providing further education for district-level forensic science officers to ensure the proper handling of 100 per cent of the cases under district jurisdiction. Additionally, modern equipment and systematic, synchronised technological solutions have been invested in to support long-term forensic work, meeting the demands of modernising professional activities and effectively serving the work.

Thanks to their achievements, the Forensic Science Department has been recognised as an 'Outstanding Unit' for ten consecutive years. The contributions and efforts of the officers and soldiers of the forensic science force of the Bạc Liêu Province Police have been highly praised by various levels and sectors. VNS