Justice Minister Naomi Long has paid tribute to Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) for their part in delivering justice.
Visiting the FSNI Headquarters at Seapark, Minister Long viewed facilities and met with staff working across various forensic disciplines.
She also heard how scientific and technology developments, examinations and reporting are being advanced to ensure FSNI continue to provide modern, high quality services.
Minister Long said:
“It is clear to me that we have a first class forensic service in Northern Ireland and equally important are the people who work here.
“I want to commend the staff for their diligence and professionalism in carrying out such important and often traumatic work and for ensuring continuity of services throughout the pandemic.
“FSNI plays a significant and impartial role, working alongside partners to ensure criminals are brought to justice as well as exonerating the innocent. It also provides invaluable insight into important public safety issues such as emerging drugs trends and understanding the causes of road accidents.
“The service provided is an integral part of our justice system and their work in providing the facts and evidence that can be a determining factor in making our communities safer and taking dangerous criminals off our streets is vital.”
WATCH: Minister Long visits FSNI Seapark
Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) carries out forensic examinations across a broad range of forensic disciplines including, but not limited to, fingerprints, fires, documents, drugs, toxicology, firearms and explosives.
The Agency provides services the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Police Ombudsman, the State Pathology Department, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and other investigative authorities. Services are also available to customers representing both defence and prosecution interests in criminal cases as well as to private citizens.