Wildlife Forensics Training Programme was held for Forest Officers at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (September 20-22, 2022).
WCT organised a three-day residential training programme for the mid-level officers (RFO to DCF) of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department at and in collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar. The focus of this programme is to equip officers who are in-charge of investigating wildlife offences with skills required to conduct thorough, reliable, and evidence-based investigations. Twenty-four officers from various parks across Madhya Pradesh were selected for the first round of this training programme for 2022-23.
Over the three days, the officers were introduced to various new evidence, robust methodologies of evidence collection, and innovative techniques for evidence examination. Wide ranging topics, from wildlife DNA forensics and veterinary forensics to cyber forensics and forensic psychology, were taught by several expert faculty at NFSU. A detailed mock crime scene activity with state-of-the-art crime scene kits allowed these officers to better appreciate the value of modern technology and tools in crime scene investigation. They were also taken on visits to various forensic laboratory divisions located within the NFSU campus to help them not only understand the depth of information that forensic laboratories can provide, but also to understand the challenges that such laboratories face when improperly collected evidence is sent to them.
WCT hopes that these trained and certified officers can now build more robust investigations against wildlife offenders. WCT shall continue to work with NFSU to develop and deliver such tailor-made training programmes for all enforcement agencies entrusted with the protection of wildlife in India. WCT is grateful to DSP Investment Managers for their support in implementing such crucial capacity building workshops.