State-of-the-art Forensic Centre opened in Aus

Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, officially opened the Australian Federal Police’s new $4.5 million Forensic Services Centre in Canberra on Monday.

"As criminals become more sophisticated, it is essential that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the essential tools they need to do their job more effectively," Senator Vanstone said.

"The demand on the AFP to provide quality forensic support to its investigations throughout Australia has expanded to a point where it was necessary to build this facility.

The need for the upgrade in forensic capacity was identified as a key part of the AFP’s Reform Program.

The Minister examined new state-of-the-art scientific equipment funded by an additional $1 million. This includes new DNA analysis equipment, equipment used in the analysis of explosives and a Vacum Metal Deposition Unit [VDMU] used to detect fingerprints on difficult surfaces, including polymer banknotes. The AFP is the only law enforcement agency in the country to have this technology.

"This new technology leads the way in the science of fingerprint enhancement," Senator Vanstone said.

"I welcome the opportunity to also see first-hand the upgrades in the AFP’s DNA capabilities which will prepare for the introduction of the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database, part of the Federal Government’s CrimTrac initiative.

Further enquiries can be made via www.australia.org.nz

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