UNLIREC carries out Second Training in Introduction to Forensic Ballistics, virtually, in Trinidad and Tobago

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.

Phase 3 of the UNLIREC’s Combatting Illicit Firearms and Ammunition Trafficking in the Caribbean through Operational Forensic Ballistics, sought 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 sought 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.

The second round of virtual introductory training and awareness of Operational Forensic Ballistics, was delivered to twenty one (21) firearm examiner trainees, consisting of Police Officers and Forensic Staff. The aim of the course was to provide participants, all of whom are new to the discipline, with an understanding of Operational Forensic Ballistics, UNLIREC SOPs on the Collection and Collation of Crime Scene Evidence, Firearms Safety during Forensic Processes and Test Firing Procedures. On June 4, similar training was delivered to ten (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 access to UNLIREC developed pre-recorded materials on the CBSI Connect learning management system.

The Introduction to Forensic Ballistics training along with CBSI Connect were made possible thanks to the support of the government of the United States of America.

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.