Belize National Forensic Science Service

Mission

To assist in the administration of justice by providing reliable and objective scientific evidence based on established forensic principles.

Vision

To become a fully functional, independent and accredited forensic department providing comprehensive analysis of scientific evidence done by qualified staff to assist in the administration of justice to exonerate the innocent and convict the guilty.

Core Values

IMPARTIALITY

We do not allow personal feelings, beliefs or opinions to unfairly influence our actions in any situation, but rather we assess each situation based on its own merits and the observable facts.

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVITY

We respect every individual’s right to privacy, whether living, deceased, accused or victim, and we handle all sensitive information securely.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We conduct ourselves in a manner that demonstrates good judgment, trustworthiness and steadfastness.

INTEGRITY

We practice within our respective areas of expertise and continually develop and enhance our professional capacity.

COMPETENCE

We strive to evolve together, helping and supporting each other for the greater good.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We are committed to diligence in the performance of our responsibilities by providing service to all with the right attitude and behavior.

RESPECT

We exhibit politeness, due regard and empathy to all.

CODE OF ETHICS

No NFSS staff member shall engage in any conduct that is harmful to the profession of forensic science including, but not limited to, any proven illegal activity, any documented technical misrepresentation or distortion, any scholarly falsification as pertaining to their employment.

No NFSS staff member shall use their position to develop or require the implementation of policies and procedures that would force or encourage an employee to arrive at a conclusion that is not supported by scientific data.

No NFSS staff member shall misrepresent their expertise or credentials in any professional capacity.

No NFSS staff member shall knowingly fail to address or attempt to cover-up any misrepresentation and/or falsification of technical work or testimonial presentations or the improper handling of evidentiary material by an employee of their Section/Unit.

No NFSS staff member shall knowingly fail to notify customer(s), through proper management channels, of material nonconformities, or breaches of law, or professional standards that adversely affect a previously issued report or testimony from their Section/Unit

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Political influence and interference shall be eliminated from all aspects of forensic operations.
Resources shall be effectively aligned against current and emergent mission priorities.
Business processes shall be optimized to eliminate waste and reduce variation.
Customer service expectations shall be descriptive, clear and relevant.
Customer complaints shall be fully investigated with a view to resolve issues and achieve positive, mutually beneficial outcomes.
Independence of the Department shall be balanced against accountability to clients and stakeholders.
Required levels of oversight, accountability and staff welfare shall be established for forensic operations to maintain standards and expected performance levels.
Forensic operations shall be organized in a manner that promotes a collaborative and integrated work environment.
Office culture shall encourage open and constructive dialogue, healthy debate and respectful conflict resolution.
New employees shall be properly recruited, matched and trained in an appropriate period of time to meet workplace requirements and to ensure that all staff members have sufficient expertise to perform their duties competently.

Our Services

SCENES OF CRIME

Finger Printing
Crime Scene Assessments
Collection of Evidence
Photography of Evidence and Crime Scenes

Forensic Laboratory

Exhibit Management

- Front line Personnel to Receive and Catalog Exhibits
- Return of Analyzed Exhibits and Reports

Serology

- Blood Identification
- Semen Identification
- Saliva Identification
- DNA (out sourced)

Analytical Chemistry

- Drug Identification
- Qualitative Analysis of Ethanol

Toxicology

- Ethanol Concentration Analysis in Biological Specimens
- Urine Drug Testing
- Additional Toxicology Tests (outsourced)

Firearms

- Identification and Classification of Ammunition and firearms
- Function Testing of Firearms
- Serial Number Restoration
- Microscopic Comparison Analysis
- IBIS matching