Forensic Science

Forensic Science has a long history in Malta. A significant development took place some years ago when Dr Anthony Abela Medici was appointed as the first full-time forensic scientist. His first laboratory was stationed at the University of Malta in Tal-Qroqq where he acquired the first scanning electron microscope. Before that time a significant amount of forensic science work was carried out mostly by University academic staff.

The University's contribution to forensic science and medicine continued with the establishment of the Institute of Forensic Studies. The idea for this Institute was to stimulate research in the forensic areas. Due to lack of resources the development of excellence in this field through this body could not materialise significantly. The Institute of Forensic Science continued to work in certain limited, albeit very essential, areas.

The Institute is listed in the University Catalogue as involved in research and teaching in the field of forensic sciences, including forensic medicine, criminology, related social policy issues and similar areas of study. It also acts as a resource centre for the provision of expertise in the various fields of its activity to the law courts, Government, NGOs and other entities. Furthermore, it acts as an advisory body to the government on matters pertaining to criminal justice. It trains criminal justice personnel and is involved in the administration of the Maltese corrective services.

The Institute also offers courses ranging from certificate, diploma and degree courses in criminology and policing, to a post-qualification diploma in probation services. It is very unfortunate that the Ministry of Justice fails to give the deserved status to the well trained probation officers who are qualified professionals having followed the established post-graduate course.

Unfortunately there are no courses offered in forensic science. The Institute has also started research in forensic science including DNA fingerprinting. However today we still send most of the tests for DNA fingerprinting required by the courts to institutes or laboratories outside Malta. The University has also a number of other academic staff who offer their services in forensic science and medicine as required. These cover several areas including autopsies, pathology, toxicology, dental, arson, and several other areas. These experts are attached to several University departments including chemistry, pathology, anatomy, pharmacy and toxicology.

The Times (April 19) published a timely editorial entitled the "Importance of being forensic." It focuses strongly on the function of the forensic laboratory stationed at the Malta National Laboratory (MNL). The forensic laboratory at the MNL is a good laboratory but it certainly cannot function on its own, as it is, with its limited expertise. It is said that MNL is now acquiring a new scanning electron microscope. However it is still evaluating the cost effectiveness of including DNA fingerprinting as a service to the police and the law courts.

One has to keep in mind that MNL is a commercial company which has to run its services in a business manner. The law courts must therefore now get used to the need of paying at commercial rates for the services rendered by the MNL and to do this in a timely manner unless they want to cause cash flow problems to MNL which could in consequence effect negatively the efficiency of the Forensic Section. One must also keep in mind that the MNL cannot work in isolation. It requires the expert advice of the university academics.

In return for this support the MNL may offer its facilities for teaching and the research needs of the University especially since the MNL has a lot of capital invested in analytical instruments which are not available at the University.

Malta is a small island. There are a reasonable number of experts and scientists spread in the University, government departments, authorities and corporations. Most of these are paid out of taxpayers' money. It is the duty of all scientists to come together and bring to the best use the resources available both human and physical. Should they fail to do so cabinet needs to use its influence to bring these scientific units together. A good start could be the organisation of forensic services by asking the University and the MNL to take the lead.