The Forensic Science Training Center
Strengthening the Global Rule of Law, Part 2 02/05/04 This week, we've brought you stories on the FBI Lab and its use of DNA technology, as well as on the birth of the first International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest. Today, a story that ties these themes together. Last week, after nearly two years of collaboration between the FBI Lab and ILEA Budapest, leaders from Hungary and the U.S. came together to launch a groundbreaking addition to the Academy: the Forensic Science Training Center. What is this Training Center? A series of four labs, stocked with modern technologies and equipment, to teach police across Europe and Asia the latest forensic capabilities and techniques that they can take back to their countries. It's the first international forensic training lab of its kind in the world. Why is it needed? For a lot of reasons:
What kind of techniques will be shared? Here's a sampling:
The FBI's contribution? We donated and set up more than $1 million worth of equipment, following our move to a new Lab. And, down the road, we hope to send our forensic experts to teach at the Center. The FBI's Executive Assistant Director for Law Enforcement Services, Charles Prouty, spoke at the dedication. He called the Center a "fine example of what cooperation between our countries' law enforcement agencies can accomplish" and described it as "the physical embodiment of our commitment to the rule of law." Our thanks and congratulations to all those who made it happen. |