Horace Chang | Institutions offering critical support to law enforcement

In furtherance of executing the goals and objectives under Plan Secure Jamaica, the Government has not only sought to strengthen the security forces, but has ensured the upgrade and modernisation of the institutions that offer critical support to law enforcement. Three such institutions are:

1) The Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM);

2) The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA);

3) The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA)

These agencies of the Ministry of National Security (MNS) contribute tremendously to the overall security apparatus of the country. Their functions range from providing critical evidence for criminal prosecutions, to ensuring effective border security and regulating the legal firearms industry within the country.

INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND LEGAL MEDICINE

The IFSLM has experienced significant transformation and upgrade. We recognised that it was critical for us to move beyond the mere enactment of the DNA legislation and to ensure the full implementation and optimal functioning of DNA technology. This meant that not only was it important to outfit the institute with the DNA database and other requisite equipment, but to ensure that adequate infrastructural upgrades were undertaken to support its growing operational and technical demands.

Given our environment, where the “anti-informant” sentiments are so strong, it is crucial for us to be able to effectively use science and technology to secure convictions instead of depending solely on first-person affidavits. Since the full rollout of the DNA technology, we have seen where, in our courts, criminal suspects are opting to enter into early guilty pleas when confronted with irrefutable DNA evidence. Additionally, DNA evidence has been instrumental in assisting us to clear a number of cold cases that have been on the books for several years. No doubt these outcomes have contributed to a more efficient criminal prosecution process by ensuring the accurate dispensing of justice while simultaneously saving valuable court time.

As a country, we have some of the finest ballistics experts in the world. The sheer volume of firearm cases that the IFSLM has had to process over the years means that our personnel are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable ballistics experts there are across the globe.

In addition to the upgrades to our DNA and ballistics capabilities, we are now in the process of completing a brand-new, state-of-the-art Forensic Pathology (Autopsy) Suite, which has been designed to international specifications. The Autopsy Suite is expected to be operational by the end of this calendar year (2023) and will ensure significant improvements to our pathology services, both in terms of the quality and quantity of autopsies that are carried out.

And so there is absolutely no doubt that we are on course to having not just one of the best forensic and legal medicine institutes in the Western Hemisphere, but one that is comparable to any that can be found anywhere else in the world.

PASSPORT, IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP AGENCY

Another important institution in our security apparatus is the PICA, which plays a very crucial role in the management and control of our borders. In seeking to fulfil one of its primary mandates of moving people through our ports of entry, the agency has to strike a very delicate balance between two competing objectives: travel facilitation and border security. This means that while it is critical to facilitate a good experience for travellers to our shores through quick processing time, the Agency still has a responsibility to ensure that the borders are not breached by actors with criminal intent. Some of the measures introduced by the Government to achieve these objectives are:

1) the introduction and expansion of Automated Border Crossing Kiosks at our airports to reduce processing time;

2) the establishment of a Document Forensic Laboratory to help analyse the authenticity of documents submitted to the Agency;

3) E-Gates, which will be in place this year; and

4) Implementation of online passport application process.

FIREARM LICENSING AUTHORITY

With the passage of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, which came into operation on November 1, 2022, the role of the Firearm Licensing Authority has been widened. The new Firearms Act establishes a dual regime, which makes a clear distinction between prohibited (illegal) firearms and those that are duly registered or licensed. We now have in place a robust legislative framework to treat with those who use firearms for criminal activities.

Ultimately, the FLA has the mandate to manage and regulate the legitimate firearms industry through a rigorous licensing regime. The new act makes it a requirement for all licensed firearms to bear the mark of the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the serial number as well as the type, make, model, and calibre of the firearm. It even provides for the capturing of the ballistic signatures of these weapons. In preparation to undertake this responsibility, the FLA was provided with two laser-engraving machines by the Government in 2021.

The Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act 2022 therefore provides a comprehensive and modern legislative framework through which the FLA will conduct its operations and serve the public.

The Government’s thrust to build out our security apparatus continues to be a work in progress as we are seeking to reverse years of neglect and underinvestment. Nevertheless, this Administration is fully committed to investing in institutional strengthening and providing the requisite support to ensure effective law enforcement.

- Dr Horace Chang is Jamaica’s deputy prime minister and minister of national security. He is also a member of parliament for North West St James and a medical doctor by profession. Send feedback to securityminister@mns.gov.jm