High-Level Forensic Managers from Central Asia Embark on Study Visit to Georgia's Forensic Institutions
07. 07. 2023
High-Level Forensic Managers from Central Asia Embark on Study Visit to Georgia's Forensic Institutions
A delegation comprising two representatives each from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan recently concluded a productive study visit to the forensic institutions in Georgia. The visit aimed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between the participating countries and Georgia, with a focus on enhancing forensic services and promoting international accreditation standards.
The delegation was warmly welcomed in Tbilisi by the Director of the Forensic-Criminalistic Department (FCD) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Head of the National Forensic Bureau (NFB). Over the course of their visit, the esteemed guests from Central Asia had the opportunity to explore the headquarters and central laboratories of the FCD and NFB, gaining valuable insights into their operations. They also visited the K-9 and crime scene investigation services, forensic medicine and forensic engineering departments, further broadening their understanding of Georgia's comprehensive forensic landscape.
A highlight of the study visit was the delegation's visit to the regional forensic department of the NFB in Kutaisi and the Forensic Service of the FCD in Batumi. These regional facilities showcased the decentralization of forensic services in Georgia, emphasizing the country's commitment to providing accessible and efficient forensic services throughout its regions.
The Georgian colleagues shared their experiences and knowledge on the successful transition of forensic services in the country from a Soviet-style system to a modern and internationally recognized framework. The delegation engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the challenges encountered during this transition, particularly in striving for international accreditation according to the ISO 17025 standard. Furthermore, the delegation was enlightened about the vital role played by various EU and international programs in supporting the progress and development of forensic institutions in Georgia.
The study visit was organized by the European Union funded project Law Enforcement In Central Asia (LEICA), which proved to be a valuable platform for fostering regional cooperation and learning among the forensic communities of Central Asia and Georgia.
The representatives of the LEICA project express their gratitude to the Georgian hosts, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Forensic Bureau for their warm reception and for sharing their expertise. This study visit represents a significant step forward in strengthening international collaboration and fostering the continuous improvement of forensic institutions in Central Asia.
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