ICRIME supports improvements to Panamanian forensic institutions

ISO certificates guarantee that a company or institution complies with the standards defined in a specific regulation. In the case of forensic institutes, this certification strengthens quality systems and ensures that investigations are carried out under ideal conditions.  

The EU ICRIME cooperation project coordinated by the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in which FIIAPP has management responsibilities, works with forensic institutions in SICA countries to improve quality management systems by certifying their services in line with the ISO 17025/17020 standards for testing and calibration laboratories and inspection laboratories. 

In collaboration with ICRIME, the Panamanian Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (IMELCF) has started the process to obtain ISO certification for its planimetry mapping service. To do this, topography and forensic infographics specialists from the Guardia Civil criminology division will assist IMELCF staff throughout the process. The Panamanian planimetry mapping service makes a topographic analysis of a crime scene and sets reference points. It then analyses these, creates a graphic image of the crime scene and reconstructs incidents using advanced imaging techniques. 

The experts’ first task was to carry out an preliminary ISO audit of the service to establish a baseline by analysing its human and material resources, work processes and the qualifications held by its professional, among other aspects. Based on this, an action plan was drafted to plot a course toward certification. The ultimate aim is to codify the service’s work in protocols and procedures, ensuring more reliable results through standardisation.