File photo of Punjab police. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Punjab Police have equipped patrol vehicles at 747 police stations across the province with specialised crime scene protection kits to improve evidence preservation and strengthen criminal investigations.
According to a police spokesperson, the kits have been distributed to patrol vehicles at all police stations, including those operating in Lahore.
The kits contain essential items used to secure crime scenes, including long cones, cordon tape and evidence markers.
Officials said the equipment will enable first responders to quickly establish a protective perimeter around a crime scene, preventing contamination or loss of critical evidence.
Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim said crime scene protection is a fundamental part of the investigation process, adding that proper preservation of evidence significantly improves the quality and reliability of investigations.
“Accurate protection of crime scenes allows investigators to analyse evidence effectively and strengthens the overall investigation process,” he said.
Police officials emphasised that the first hour after a crime occurs is crucial for investigators, as evidence collected during this period often provides key leads to identify suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.
They noted that as time passes, physical evidence can deteriorate, be disturbed or disappear altogether, while suspects may move further away from the scene, making investigations more difficult.
To further strengthen the capacity of officers responding to incidents, the Punjab Police have also launched specialised training programmes for first responders.
Additional Inspector General (Investigation) Shehzada Sultan said 500 master trainers had been prepared through specialised training to educate police personnel across the province.
He added that the training programmes are being conducted with the support of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA).
According to officials, police personnel from the rank of constable to inspector will receive training in crime scene management and evidence preservation.
Police authorities believe that equipping patrol vehicles with crime scene protection kits, along with expanding professional training, will significantly improve evidence collection, strengthen investigations and enhance the chances of solving criminal cases across the province.
