Turkey and Spain continue to undertake training in advanced forensic methods

The twinning project on training in forensic methods continues to implement its business plan with the completion of two new training sessions, on DNA databases and legislation and on the  fingerprinting.

Both activities are aligned with the main objective of the project, which is financed by the European Union (EU)and managed by FIIAPP, to contribute to improving the capabilities of the Turkish forensic institutions by introducing new techniques in accordance with the practices in the EU. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, both sessions had to be held electronically through the FIIAPP technical assistance platform: connect.fiiapp.es.

DNA databases are a fundamental instrument that support the authorities in solving crimes such as sexual assault, homicide and robbery with violence. To support Turkey in the process of creating its own police DNA database, scientists from the Spanish National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences at the Ministry of Justice have accompanied the Turkish Criminal Gendarmerie Division (JKDB) in adapting to EU practices. This activity has taken advantage of Spain’s experience in implementing its national database, created more than 10 years ago and connected, thanks to the Prüm Treaty, with the other European countries.

The other training session focused on fingerprinting techniques aimed at helping to successfully achieve internal validation and accreditation of the fingerprinting methods used. The technical assistance was provided by specialists from the Civil Guard who, together with their Turkish counterparts from the JKDB, presented the latest fingerprint development techniques, an assessment of the method, the assistance with internal validation, the application of accreditation standards and the development of tailored standard operating procedures, among other aspects.