The Australian Federal Police has handed forensic science equipment and research literature books worth over P400 000 to the Botswana Police Service recently in Gaborone.
The handing over ceremony comes after the signing ceremony for Agreement of Cooperation and Assistance by the two sister police services for the donation of forensic equipment that was held in Gaborone in March this year (2011).
Presenting the equipment and literature books to the Commissioner of Police Mr Thebeyame Tsimako, the Australian Federal Police Senior Liaison Officer, Mr Stanford Richard said the Australian Government has always wanted to improve forensic policing in Africa and beyond. He said this comes after several forensic science policing courses which were conducted in Africa adding that they intend to run a similar course for Southern African Regional Police Chiefs’ Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) nations in Gaborone towards the end of the year.
Mr Richard was hopeful that the equipment which includes among others crime scene investigation kit, research books, cameras and printers will assist the organisation in having quick and smooth end products in areas of forensic investigations and collection of evidence.
Receiving the equipment, Mr Tsimako thanked the Australian Government for the generous donation saying it will enhance the Botswana Police Service’s operational efficiency in areas of forensic investigations.
The Commissioner said the gesture came at a time when the organisation was experiencing resource constraints, a situation he said was exacerbated by the recent economic downturn. He said the equipment will assist the organisation in its endeavor to improve service delivery through the use of latest technology.