PROJECT 104: TRACE ME - sTRengthening crime scene forensics and prosecution cApabilities in investigating Cbrn incidEnts in the Middle East region

Project in brief

The current geopolitical situation in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon is unstable, with a significant possibility of CBRN-type incidents or accidents. It becomes, therefore, of fundamental importance to strengthen forensic skills in the field of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear disaster.

The project will aim to develop highly qualified capacities in the field of CBRN forensics for each partner countries based on their needs, considering also a regional approach to foster interoperability.

Overall objective

To address the specific global and trans-regional threats to peace, international security and stability, through enhancing governance and cooperation on CBRN risk prevention, detection and mitigation.

Specific objectives

1. Strengthen existing traditional forensic capabilities in investigating and prosecuting CBRN incidents among all relevant stakeholders. 
2. Develop a training programme on forensic investigations and prosecution in CBRN related case.
3. Improve forensic awareness and procedures for first responders.
4. Foster interoperability of institutions, authorities and first responders in CBRN incidents.
5. Establish a network of CBRN and forensics-related institutions and experts dealing with CBRN investigations at national and regional level.

Activities

1. Presentation of good practices and state of the art technologies regarding detection, CSI procedures and prosecutor’s guidelines related to CBRN crimes and CSI in a CBRN environment.
2. Specialised training and equipment needs assessment for CSI and lab personnel.
3. Forensic awareness training and Training of Trainers program for first responders.
4. Delivery of national training for CSI specialists and laboratory personnel including medical personnel.
5. Training for prosecutors and judges to increase the CBRN related prosecutorial capacity.
6. National field exercises to improve interagency cooperation.
7. Study visits and establishment of an informal regional network of forensics experts and forensics institutions.

Achievements (expected)

• Establishment of trained forensics teams and specialized CBRN teams to successfully conduct CSI in a CBRN environment.
• Enhancement of awareness of first responders to preserve the CBRN crime scene.
• Creation of SOPs for CBRN-related investigations, tailored to all partner countries.
• Training of prosecutors and judges to improve the prosecutorial capacity of CBRN related crimes.
• Improvement of cross-border and interagency capacities and cooperation for CBRN related investigations.
• Establishment of the network in the region for CSI and CBRN experts