New computer forensic laboratory commissioned |08 May 2015
The collection and transmission of evidence being essential in the ongoing fight against crime, the Seychelles law enforcement unit has commissioned a new computer forensic laboratory.
The new facility which has been funded by the European Union and Interpol and is based in the Seychelles Police building at Mont Fleuri, was inaugurated on Thursday morning by French ambassador to Seychelles Lionel Majesté-Larrouy in his capacity as the European representative, police commissioner Ernest Quatre and Interpol project manager Serge Epouhe.
This was in the presence of Home Affairs Minister Charles Bastienne, senior police officers among other distinguished guests.
Addressing everyone who had come to witness the event, assistant commissioner for policing, Reginald Elizabeth said the system will help the police force fight against crime.
“The computer forensic laboratory will empower us to protect innocent victims as well as apprehend offenders and bring them to justice,” said Mr Elizabeth.
He added that the new equipment will come in handy for the police force.
“The new lab is equipped with sufficient resources which will help examiners investigate and evaluate data in various electronic devices such as notebook, desktop PC, hard disk, SD card, smart phones and GPS,” he added.
Mr Elizabeth also pointed out that computer technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives as it brings many advantages to our people and the country but it is unfortunate that some people use it to commit or make easier criminal activities. But he noted that these are challenges of the 21st century which the police have no option but to develop their capacity to be able to deal with.
Expressing sincere gratitude to the EU and the Interpol Mr Elizabeth informed everyone present that local specialists have also received adequate training and are now skilled to make good use of the new equipment.
Mr Elizabeth expressed the wish that this invaluable support, collaboration and partnership with the EU and the Interpol will continue in the future.
Ambassador Majesté-Larrouy for his part pointed out that it is impossible to develop the blue economy amidst maritime insecurity.
“The use of the sea by criminal networks also undermines peace, stability and development of regional states, including the Indian Ocean island states,” he said.
He added that it is for this reason that the EU has always been the first to support capacity-building of regional states, reinforce security on maritime routes in the Indian Ocean and fight all criminal-related activities.
Following the opening of the facility guests were led on a tour during which they received detailed explanations on how the computer facility functions.
