Local cops praised by forensic expert

MELVIN ZWAIG, head of a Canada-based forensic and investigative consulting firm, heaped praises on local police officers yesterday for their methods of investigations. Zwaig said he was pleased to see the high level approach to investigations and dedication to duty of police officers in this country.

Zwaig Consulting was contracted by Government to provide training on investigations into all aspects of financial wrongdoings. Police officers and specially selected employees of the Auditor General’s Office and the Special Security and Facilities Management Unit of the Ministry of the Attorney General, who were exposed to the training, were presented with certificates at the end of the three day-training yesterday. Participants were exposed to the base level of forensic accounting and investigation of all aspects of financial wrongdoings. They were also given first hand information on improving their oral and written skills in reporting findings to superiors, other law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys as well as testifying in the courts. Participants also received training on increasing the understanding and comfort level of the relevant agencies with respect to financial accounting and reporting.

Police Commissioner Hilton Guy said he was grateful that the Office of the Attorney General recognised the need for training and put things in place to ensure that it took place. He added that change is inevitable and the police must recognise that they must be exposed to training to assist them in their work.“You either update your skills, or you become irrelevant in the society in which you live,” said the Commissioner. Guy said he was heartened to learn that more training sessions are being organised. Attorney General Glenda Morean, who also delivered brief remarks at the function, said she recognised that in the past not much effort was placed on enforcement and efforts are being made to ensure that training is available. The AG said she believes the training improves the application of strategic and tactical techniques to enhance the effectiveness of investigations.