New Forensic Lab Facility Opened in Tbilisi with the US Government Support
On Jan 30, 2007, Ambassador Tefft joined Prime Minister Noghaideli and Minister of Justice Kavtaradze in opening the new laboratory facility of the National Forensic Bureau. Assistance for the project was provided by the U.S. Depart of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
INL provided equipment and training for staff to increase the lab’s scope of forensic testing and analysis, including: narcotics testing, petroleum testing, finger print classification, forged currency, forged travel documents, and DNA testing.
Thanks to INL support, this laboratory is now one of the finest forensic institutions in the Caucasus and the only laboratory in the Caucasus capable of DNA testing. As a result, Georgian law enforcement is better able to investigate and successfully close and prosecute criminal cases using scientifically tested and validated evidence.
After the tour of the lab facility, the Prime Minister addressed distinguished guests, local staff and media, and thanked the United States Government for the financial aid and the valuable input of American professionals in training the Georgian staff.
Speaking after the Prime Minister, Ambassador Tefft explained that the forensic laboratory was an important part of Georgia’s effort to reform its judicial system. “The opening of this lab marks another milestone in our joint effort to improve the quality of law enforcement and prosecution in Georgia. I say milestone because our assistance is continuing. I’m happy to announce that just last week we awarded a contract to a Georgian construction firm for $1.2 million in additional renovations to this facility,” he said.
|
