The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the European Union’s Deliver Justice Project, has successfully concluded two rounds of intensive week-long training on ‘Basic and Advance Investigation Skills’ for investigation officers from the Balochistan Police and Levies Force.
Held from **16th to 20th June 2025** and **21st to 25th July 2025** in districts Hub and Zhob respectively, the training aimed to enhance the skills of 60 local law enforcement officials, including 10 female officers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to conduct efficient and effective investigations, ultimately ensuring justice and enhancing public safety.
The program was designed to build core competencies in key areas of criminal investigation. Sessions covered essential topics such as lodging of FIRs, crime scene management, forensic evidence handling procedures, medico-legal and postmortem examinations, and interview and interrogation techniques.
Special emphasis was given to the responsibilities of investigation officers in handling medico-legal and postmortem examinations with accuracy, timeliness, and professionalism. Participants also learned how to interpret and incorporate forensic analysis reports in case files, especially in cases involving gender-based violence, homicide, and narcotics, ensuring flawless submission of challan.
One of the program’s standout features was its balance between theoretical instruction and practical application. Real-life case examples and hands-on activities, such as mock crime scene analysis, evidence packaging, maintaining chain of custody, and documentation practice, enhanced participant engagement. The training also introduced emerging topics like digital evidence handling and chain of custody mechanisms, providing participants with modern tools for effective investigations.
The active participation of female officials highlighted UNODC and the European Union’s commitment to promoting gender equality within law enforcement. Their inclusion ensures that policing practices in Balochistan are more inclusive and representative of the communities they serve.
At the conclusion of the program, certificates were distributed by the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of districts Hub and Zhob. They emphasized the importance of continuous learning and encouraged trainees to apply their newly acquired knowledge in day-to-day duties, contributing to a more efficient and fair criminal justice system in Balochistan.
