DNA Project South Africa will present a workshop to assist police officers and CPF members on crime scene investigation and how DNA profiling works.
According to Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin, the workshop will be held at Panorama Primary School on 17 September at 6.30pm.
Maya Moodley of the organisation mentioned that the training caters for the entire community as they will discuss what you can do to preserve evidence on crime scenes of housebreaking or burglaries.
“We will start off with a simple summary of DNA, the techniques of DNA profiling and the benefits of a National DNA Database in crime investigation. The responsibilities of the people who arrive first at a crime scene with potential DNA evidence will also be discussed.” She added that the police officers who will be attending the workshop will receive training on the responsibilities of the first-attending officer and what he/she can and should do to preserve the DNA evidence.
“An in-depth discussion will be held on the potential sources, locations and limitations of DNA evidence. We will also take a look at the correct handling and packaging of samples from crime scenes, suspects and complainants.” She added, “Our workshop will also include information on the new DNA Act, the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37 of 2013, that was recently passed into law on 27 January 2014.”
Ward 126 community liaison officer Jan von der Heyde explained that the workshop is free of charge but you need to book a seat ahead of time. “Seats at the workshop will fill up quickly so people who want to attend should give me a call to book seats ahead of time.”
Details: Jan von der Heyde 071 452 8115.
