Home Affairs Minister Tours Forensic Science Units to Strengthen Investigations

Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise Oscar Mira conducted an introductory tour on Tuesday of several key units within the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS), gaining first-hand insight into the country’s forensic capabilities and ongoing efforts to strengthen criminal and medicolegal investigations.  The visit included stops at the Medical Examiner’s Office, which houses the autopsy facility at the CAHSU morgue and the Histopathology section of the Forensic Laboratory; the Scenes of Crime (SOC) Headquarters in Belize City, the only SOC office operating 24 hours a day, year-round; and the Forensic Laboratory in Ladyville, home to specialized departments including Serology, Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry, Rapid DNA, Firearms Examination, IBIS, Evidence Management, and Administration.  According to the Ministry, the tour served as a full orientation on the role of forensic science and forensic medicine in Belize’s justice system, particularly in the investigation of violent crime, unexplained deaths, and complex criminal cases. The NFSS currently operates eleven offices nationwide and employs 70 public officers.  During the tour, forensic experts highlighted both the progress made in recent years and the challenges that remain. They shared perspectives with the Minister on how operational efficiency, technology, and inter-agency coordination could be enhanced to improve case turnaround times and strengthen the use of forensic intelligence in combating organized crime.  Minister Mira expressed appreciation for the technical expertise and improvement efforts underway at the NFSS, acknowledging the critical role forensic science plays in building stronger, evidence-driven investigations.