Current Scenario> Problems in Police Force> Police inefficiency> Technical equipment

The world's first finger-print forensic laboratory was established in Kolkata in 1897 and India was  during this time the world leader in finger print identification. Almost 110 years later the situation is different. Today, the forensic science laboratories (FSL) in India are in need of large-scale modernisation, up-gradation and expansion. There are 23 central forensic science laboratories and  approximately 17 regional laboratories in total in the country. This can be compared with 203 FSLs  in the USA (including private sector laboratories) and 11 FSLs for England and Wales (which is   almost the same size and population as Tamil Nadu). Currently, only around 5-6% of the registered criminal cases are being referred to the FSLs and the Fingerprint Bureau in India. It is  stated in the Malimath Committee report that the present level of equipment and professional training investment are not enough.

The knowledge of cordoning a crime scene and the procedure of collecting evidence has been reported to be inadequate amongst police personnel. Apart from increased education in the field it has also been recommended to have a 'CLUES' team at every police station, a team with basic knowledge and equipment in forensic science to secure important evidence at the crime scene. Owing to the shortcomings in the training of forensic personnel and in the FSLs, many cases are built solely on oral statements and evidence. The major problem with oral statements and evidence is that they can easily be withdrawn by the witness or victim at a later stage in court  leading to a collapse of a case.