During our conversation today with the head of the National Forensic Science Service, the conversation came up that these equipment acquisitions are part of a bigger long-term plan. This important agency will eventually get a new forensics laboratory that should empower its personnel to conduct DNA analysis in-country.
The NFSS currently has to outsource these processes, which is costly and time consuming. So, the hope is that someday soon, DNA testing can be done in Belize. This morning, the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service told us that the discussion and planning for a new laboratory is in its initial stages:
Gian Cho - Executive Director, National Forensic Science Service
"These first two pieces of equipment, as I said, are just from the first disbursement. In the subsequent disbursements of this loan, we are getting more funding for additional laboratory equipment, to add to our inventory that we have, as well as - and one of the parts that we've been looking forward to eagerly is funding for a design study for our new forensic laboratory. The one behind me is from 2006. Right. So we're getting our new forensic laboratory through this loan project, as well as a first-time forensic more, more specifically, for medico-legal post-mortem examinations. So, the design studies should start either later this year or early next year. After that, after we study the needs of the department and produce the architectural design for this new facility, then construction will be the final phase of the project."
Daniel Ortiz
"Does this new forensic laboratory involve DNA analysis capabilities?"
Gian Cho
"It is part of the equipment stage. We're looking at sourcing DNA-specific equipment that we can use in our new forensic laboratory. Currently, the laboratory behind me cannot house the DNA equipment. We would need a new laboratory for that. We are looking at alternative options for more rapid-type DNA equipment that we may be able to use in the short term."
Reporter
"The goal that we're trying to achieve is to get the lab to the point where we don't we won't have to send any kind of samples outside of Belize for testing. That's where we're trying to get to, right?"
Gian Cho
"Eventually, but any lab would still need to outsource what it doesn't do in-country. Well, for DNA specifically, yes, eventually, where we want to get to that point. We would need a new laboratory to be able to do the full DNA setup so that we can discontinue outsourcing. Currently, we outsource our DNA cases roughly about 20 per year to an accredited laboratory in the U.S.A."
Daniel Ortiz
"And if we get if And when we get to that stage where the new forensic lab is set up with the equipment necessary for DNA analysis, will you guys move to ISO certification as well, sir?"
Gian Cho
"Yes. We are actively working on a project which is funded through the CARSI INL program of the U.S. Embassy. They have been supporting forensic departments in the whole region, Mexico and the rest of Central America, to move towards ISO accreditation for forensic laboratories. So, yes, when that time comes, when we invest in DNA in-country, we will be doing it under the umbrella of a quality system that is geared towards ISO accreditation."
