The Role of Investigators in Prioritizing and Utilizing Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases Concerning Life Body and Sexual Offenses

Abstract

      This academic article examines the extent to which investigators in Provincial Police Region 7 prioritize and utilize forensic evidence in criminal cases involving offences against life, body, and sexual offences. The analysis focuses on investigators’ levels of understanding decision-making, and operational practices that affect the effectiveness of collecting analyzing and presenting forensic evidence within the criminal justice process. The findings identify significant structural problems in the use of forensic evidence in serious criminal cases: (1) differences in knowledge, understanding, and skills in preserving and interpreting scientific evidence (2) limitations in resources, technology, and budget that may affect the reliability of evidence and (3) difficulties in presenting forensic evidence to the court, which may diminish the weight of the evidence and impact public confidence in the justice system. Roles of investigators serve as a crucial link between scientific evidence and fact-finding in the case. The absence of knowledge, understanding or standardized practices can lead to inefficient use of evidence and may affect fairness in the criminal justice process. Therefore, the article proposes policy and practical guidelines, including continuous specialized training system in forensic science, promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the allocation of adequate and modern forensic resources to improve standards of forensic evidence utilization, leading to accuracy, transparency, and fairness in the criminal justice process.