04.04.2013
Common forensic inquiry service for better law enforcement in Belarus
MINSK, 4 April (BelTA) – The establishment of a common forensic inquiry service should contribute to better effectiveness of law enforcement. The statement was made by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at the government session held on 4 April to discuss the establishment of the state forensic inquiry service, BelTA has learned.
“Following my instruction the government has set up an interagency working group [led by First Deputy Chairman of the Investigation Committee Mr Andrei Shved] to study the possibility of establishing a common forensic inquiry service. Results of the work have been reflected by a relevant draft decree that has been submitted for my consideration. It provides for establishing the state forensic inquiry service on the basis of expert divisions of law enforcement agencies, emergency service units, the army, the Justice Ministry, and also the medical forensic inquiry service,” said the President.
The head of state remarked that the possibility of improving the operation of state forensic inquiry institutions by combining them into a single body had been repeatedly discussed. “Back then the decision was recognized as inadvisable perhaps due to objective reasons that existed at that moment. However, time goes by, conditions of the operation of forensic inquiry units have changed dramatically. Primarily due to the reformation of the law enforcement sphere,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko.
The Investigation Committee has worked for more than a year. According to the President, the body is the main consumer of results of forensic inquiries during the investigation of crimes. The establishment of the agency entailed the revision and correction of functions of other law enforcement agencies, in particular, the Interior Ministry and the public prosecution office.
“It is necessary to underline that the key goal of the current changes is the radial improvement of the effectiveness of the operation of law enforcement agencies. They are meant to ensure the ability to adequately and in a timely manner respond to new risks, challenges, and threats for the sake of guaranteed protection of our citizens from criminal assaults. The changes in the law enforcement system involve other state forensic inquiry units. It is obvious that they cannot stay unchanged in the new conditions,” said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the re-organization of the existing forensic inquiry system is a serious matter and errors are inadmissible. He reminded about the special importance of forensic inquiries for the sake of ascertaining the truth in criminal and civil cases, for the sake of ensuring the proper legal protection of rights and legal interests of citizens. “The forensic inquiry service has been and will be one of the most reliable sources to get objective evidence. It often plays the determining role in court rulings,” said the Belarusian leader.
He suggested the proposal to set up a common forensic inquiry service should be revised once again most thoroughly. “What will it give us? Will the step contribute to an essential improvement of state forensic inquiry activities? Have we calculated everything in this regard?” the head of state asked those present.
“The key thing: don’t forget that we cannot waste money not only because we live in the Year of Frugality, but also because the state has no money to spare. Money issue should never be forgotten,” added Alexander Lukashenko.
“Following my instruction the government has set up an interagency working group [led by First Deputy Chairman of the Investigation Committee Mr Andrei Shved] to study the possibility of establishing a common forensic inquiry service. Results of the work have been reflected by a relevant draft decree that has been submitted for my consideration. It provides for establishing the state forensic inquiry service on the basis of expert divisions of law enforcement agencies, emergency service units, the army, the Justice Ministry, and also the medical forensic inquiry service,” said the President.
The head of state remarked that the possibility of improving the operation of state forensic inquiry institutions by combining them into a single body had been repeatedly discussed. “Back then the decision was recognized as inadvisable perhaps due to objective reasons that existed at that moment. However, time goes by, conditions of the operation of forensic inquiry units have changed dramatically. Primarily due to the reformation of the law enforcement sphere,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko.
The Investigation Committee has worked for more than a year. According to the President, the body is the main consumer of results of forensic inquiries during the investigation of crimes. The establishment of the agency entailed the revision and correction of functions of other law enforcement agencies, in particular, the Interior Ministry and the public prosecution office.
“It is necessary to underline that the key goal of the current changes is the radial improvement of the effectiveness of the operation of law enforcement agencies. They are meant to ensure the ability to adequately and in a timely manner respond to new risks, challenges, and threats for the sake of guaranteed protection of our citizens from criminal assaults. The changes in the law enforcement system involve other state forensic inquiry units. It is obvious that they cannot stay unchanged in the new conditions,” said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko underlined that the re-organization of the existing forensic inquiry system is a serious matter and errors are inadmissible. He reminded about the special importance of forensic inquiries for the sake of ascertaining the truth in criminal and civil cases, for the sake of ensuring the proper legal protection of rights and legal interests of citizens. “The forensic inquiry service has been and will be one of the most reliable sources to get objective evidence. It often plays the determining role in court rulings,” said the Belarusian leader.
He suggested the proposal to set up a common forensic inquiry service should be revised once again most thoroughly. “What will it give us? Will the step contribute to an essential improvement of state forensic inquiry activities? Have we calculated everything in this regard?” the head of state asked those present.
“The key thing: don’t forget that we cannot waste money not only because we live in the Year of Frugality, but also because the state has no money to spare. Money issue should never be forgotten,” added Alexander Lukashenko.