Good morning, I am really pleased to be here today for what I am sure we will all agree is a great opportunity to further highlight and fully take advantage of the many forensics capabilities your Forensics Agency and its experts have developed over the years.
Both OPDAT and ICITAP have worked with many of you in the room on a range of law enforcement and rule of law issues. While the police and prosecutors have the most to say about whether and how physical evidence is used in the investigation of criminal cases, it is the forensics specialist who must process and report on evidence collected from crimes.
The Kosovo Forensics Agency has come a long way since its establishment. Every year the number and types of equipment and databases increases as does advanced and specialized training, and accreditation and certification in areas like DNA, toxicology, ballistics, and fingerprints, applying science to law enforcement.
Prosecutors of criminal cases have numerous challenges as we all know. Representing the People against a person or persons charged with violating criminal laws is extremely trying and difficult. Some of what you will see here today you may already be aware of and some of what you learn today may make you proud of how far your institutions have come on the one hand and make your difficult task easier on the other.
I understand that after today’s presentations you will also be able to tour the Forensics Agency to see much of what is presented here in person. And I’ve been hearing from Bill what an impressive site that is. So while I will not be able to join you on the tour, I hope to get there some other time myself. I am sure this will be one of the most interesting and fruitful elements of the program today.
Thank you all very much.
