14 mobile teams to help Delhi Police in evidence collection
In a bid to bring down pending cases, which stand at 4,500 at the moment, Delhi/delhi-police'>Delhi Police may set up 14 district-level crime scene management teams (DMCS). This would ensure a quick collection and proper preservation of evidence from the crime scene till it's sent to Delhi's only forensic science laboratory (FSL) in Rohini. The proposal is pending the approval of the AAP-led government.
We've noticed delay on Delhi Police's part: Govt official
"We have noticed delay on the part of Delhi police in filing the samples they collect from crime scenes. Sometimes those lie idle for days before being sent for testing. If not stored properly, these samples go bad," said a senior Delhi government official.
Team members: One photographer, reporting officer, three scientific assistants
The teams, one for each district, will comprise one photographer, a reporting officer and three scientific assistants to collect DNA evidences like semen, blood, and other physical evidences like a gun or a knife. If it's a shootout scene, a ballistic expert will be called in. Each team will have around 25 personnel, who will be working in shifts to ensure 24/7 assistance.
Investigating officer would decide if DMCS be called or not
Normally, Delhi Police crime branch collects evidences and sends it to FSL for examination. But due to delay in sending it to the labs, those are often inadmissible in courts. That's why FSL decided on this initiative, said officials, adding DCMS will only conduct the preliminary forensic investigation. However, to call the DCMS for assistance will be at the behest of the investigating officer.
"The project is in pipeline and will soon be implemented"
The estimated project cost stands at Rs. 35cr, including salaries of technical staff and machinery. Four vans for ease of traveling have been procured by the department. "The project is in the pipeline and will soon be implemented," said Deepa Verma, director of the FSL.
