ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN STATES

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN STATES First Meeting of Forensic Specialists of the Americas OAS Headquarters, Washington DC September 24 – 25, 2009

2. Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre Ministry of National Security 17 Barbados Road, Federation Park Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago Arlette Lewis Director Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre Ministry of National Security

3. National agency responsible for the provision of forensic pathology and forensic science services in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago • Fully funded by the GORTT • Major clients – law enforcement agencies • Private cases at a nominal fee account for < 0.5% of casework submissions • Civilian staff (~ 65 of which 24 are experts)

4. Two Subdivisions • Forensic Pathology • Forensic Science

5. Forensic Pathology Subdivision Responsible for performing post mortems in all cases of unnatural deaths in Trinidad and Tobago

6. Forensic Science Subdivision Five sections providing scientific services in the disciplines of:- • Biology • Chemistry • Document Examination • Firearms & Toolmark Examination • Toxicology

7. Biology • DNA profiling replaced the conventional serology blood grouping methods for characterization of body fluids and stains in September 2008 • PCR-STR/ Identifiler • Databases not yet established

8. Chemistry • Examination and analysis of Seized Drugs (GC/FID and FTIR) • Investigation of suspected cases of Arson – fire scene examination and analysis of debris (Tenax extraction & GC/FID) • Examination of Stolen Vehicles (serial number restoration and examination of paint layer structure) • Examination and identification of explosives (GC/ECD), glass (GRIM 3) and miscellaneous substances

9. Document Examination • Examination of Handwriting and Typewriting (VSC 4C) • Determination of Erasures and Alterations (ESDA 2) • Examination of Counterfeit Currency • Identification and Comparison of Inks (Foram 685-2)

10. Firearms and Toolmark Examination • Determination of calibre of firearms and ammunition • Determination of firearm from which ammunition was discharged • Determination of type of firearm used • Examination of toolmarks

11. Correlation of shooting incidents using the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS). 5,731 entries and 436 confirmed hits to date Collection of test fires and entry of ballistics data from 14,443 weapons on a legal firearms database (weapons from law enforcement, private agencies and individual FUL holders)

12. Toxicology • Screening and confirmation of drugs and poisons in body fluids taken at post mortems (Viva E, solid phase extraction UV-Vis, GC/NPD and GC/MS) • Blood alcohol determinations (Headspace GC/FID) • Workplace drug testing (Viva E and GC/MS)

13. ACCREDITATION • Legal requirement for DNA services to be accredited by September 2010 • All staff sensitized on process • Key laboratory personnel trained in Documentation, Auditing and Estimation of Uncertainty of Measurement • Revision of existing SOPs and Quality System documents in progress

14. Purchase of traceable standards, validation of methods and calibration of equipment in progress • Subscribes to CTS proficiency tests (no tests available for drugs and poisons in biological fluids) • Gap Analysis being conducted at present in the Biology and Toxicology Sections

15. Main Challenges • Acquisition of supplies and equipment on a timely basis from foreign sources • Unavailability of local pool of trained personnel for recruitment • Training of staff

16. Thank You