Capacity Enhancement of Forensic Science

The crime rate in Estonia is still higher than in the EU-15. The situation shows that the fight against crimes and capacity to identify them should still be increased. Furthermore, after having joined the Schengen area in 2007, in Estonia there are high needs to enhance partnership with other European countries in securing the Schengen border. For this, in case of cross-border crimes and investigations, an exchange of forensic information is needed.

The project contributes to the prevention of crimes and to the enhancement of border security in Estonia. For this, the capacity of forensic science in Estonia will be increased, and pre-trial procedures to achieve truthful and fast investigations of crimes will be enhanced. Furthermore, the investments and the respective networking will enhance the opportunity to exchange information with other European countries in case of cross-border crimes and investigations where an exchange of forensic information is needed.

Forensic Experts, Security and Criminal police, Prosecutors, other law enforcement authorities

The project finances the supply of equipment (computer tomograph, MRI devices, Electron microscope, lab facilities and others) and staff training in new investigation methodologies to the benefit of the Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EFSI) and the Security Police Board.

Erreichte Resultate:  

• All planned equipement for the Estonian Forensic Science Insitute has been procured and installed, and the personnell has been trained in its use
• Identification of persons is faster and number of unidentified persons has decreased (100 in 2007, 11 in 2014)
• Evidence from crime scenes is gathered more completely and courts receive better evidence
• International information exchange is faster
• Solved crime rate has increased from 47% in 2007 to 52% in 2014

Phase 1 01.04.2009 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)