On the 29th and 30th December 2008 supported
by CCJAP III, the Scientific and Technical (S&T) Department of the Cambodian
National Police (CNP) held a workshop at the Imperial Gardens for the
development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Crime Scene
Investigation. The workshop was facilitated by Alex Wells the Scientific and
Technical Adviser for CCJAP III and Police Project officer Hout Veng Chan and
managed by the Senior Trainers attached to the S&T Department CNP, Colonel
Tith Bunna, Colonel Mung Sothea and Lieutenant Colonel Chan Sokha. This two day
workshop was officially opened by General Van Ratha, Director of the Scientific
and Technical Department, CNP with eighteen of his officers in attendance.
Every participant during the course of the two days had actively contributed
with valuable and relevant input. All relevant sections in the SOPs were
continually being cross referenced with the Criminal Procedures Code to ensure total synergy.
It was stressed by Alex Wells that these SOPs factor as a
priority and one that should be addressed with a sense of urgency especially
with the current momentum of progression associated with the Crime Scene Investigation
and Sexual Violence Training rollout across the Kingdom of Cambodia. Although
the training currently being rolled out provides the skills, knowledge and
ability for the S&T investigators to competently examine and process crime
scenes, it is still very much dependant on Standard Operating Procedures to
ensure every task undertaken is being performed in accordance with mandated
guidelines instilling consistency and uniformity in their processes. Procedures
to support the management of evidence and the attendance and management of
crime scenes is an essential requirement and one that needs to be tailored to
this specific environment.
Hout Veng Chan stated that this
is the first time a dedicated working party from the S&T Department has had
direct input and been directly responsible for the development of SOPs
dedicated to their own service delivery. This workshop was extremely successful
with the completion of a first draft being achieved. Final amendments are now
being actioned by delegated officers of the working group with a final copy
being scheduled for completion by the 31st January 2009.
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