On 23 September 2020, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, conducted a second course on Introduction to forensic ballistics for firearm examiner trainees. This event was made possible thanks to the funding received by the government of the United States of America.
The overall forensic ballistics project seeks to improve casework management by reviewing and developing streamlined work processes, case allocation protocols and a National Action Plan (NAP) to manage unprocessed ballistics casework in Trinidad and Tobago. The NAP aims to build capacity in both the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and Forensic Science Centre (TTFSC) by providing introductory training in ballistics for police officers and further integrate the Firearms Technicians at the Firearms Section by building capacity in comparison microscopy.
This second round of virtual introductory training and awareness of operational forensic ballistics was delivered to 21 firearm examiner trainees (police officers and forensic staff), all of whom are new to the discipline, with an understanding of forensic ballistics, UNLIREC standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the collection and collation of crime scene evidence, firearms safety during forensic processes and test firing procedures. On 4 June 2020, similar training was delivered to 10 police armourers and police officials assigned to the Special Evidence Recovery Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
For one week – prior to the live online sessions – participants engaged in self-based learning through CBSI Connect learning management system whereby they could access UNLIREC’s pre-recorded materials on the matter.
UNLIREC, as the regional organ of the UN Office for Disarmament, seeks to advance the cause of practical disarmament in Latin America and the Caribbean as part of its commitment to support Member States in their implementation of international disarmament and non-proliferation instruments, in particular, the 2001 UN Programme of Action on Small Arms.