​​Since mid-July, hundreds of officers have attended the crime scene first responder training offered by the South African Police Service’s Forensics Division.

The success of an investigation that involves a definable crime scene depends heavily on the initial observations and actions of the first officer to arrive at the scene. The primary purpose of the training is to address the task of the uniformed officer on the crime scene.

Course attendees learn the proper procedures in protecting crime scenes, recognizing and discovering evidence, evidence potential, obtaining information, and performing a number of crucial functions in a relatively short period of time.

‘Being a first responder is an important job, because your actions on arrival could have far-reaching consequences for the case and be the difference between finding the person responsible or ensuring a conviction.

‘The City’s uniformed staff members are often first at a crime scene. With this training, they’ll be able to help ensure the integrity of the scene which in turn assists forensic staff and detectives who are tasked with finding justice for the victims,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.

The training course is offered, free of charge, by the SAPS Forensics Division. The final participants will complete training towards the end of October 2018, and the City plans to consult with SAPS about annual refresher workshops for staff.

‘It is crucial that we build on this relationship. South Africa’s crime rate is staggering and the conviction rate too leaves much to be desired. It is therefore critical that we train as many enforcement staff, whether City or SAPS officers, in the art of crime scene management so that the evidence passes muster in court.

‘More importantly, knowledge sharing and the empowerment of all enforcement services in this manner is a good thing and I certainly would advocate for more of it,’ added Alderman Smith.

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For Afrikaans: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/220818-afr-smith-crime-scene-training/s-YY4oR