PICA Gets a Document Forensic Laboratory

Over the last five years, the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) has reported over 700 cases of persons using fraudulent documents. On Thursday, August 19, however, drastic measures were put in place to reduce this crime with the opening of the document forensic laboratory.

The objective of the forensic lab is to enhance border security via investigation, surveillance, and strategic partnership. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Karl Samuda, says this will not only build the integrity of the nation but also add to the trust in those who visit the island. Minister Samuda that the forensic lab is a push into he 21st century and will solidify the trust of partners and other entities in the systems that are in place.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Asif Ahmad, says the system needs to equip itself to counter high-tech criminals.

CEO for PICA, Andrew Wynter says the lab will improve the decision-making process and the overall efficiency in the use of the latest technology. He says with assured scientific methods for the preparation of case files to identify, analyse, train, and provide evidence about suspicious or questionable documents to border agents things should improve.

More in this CVM Live story from Paige Dixon: