Investigators, Prosecutors in training to improve investigations, court cases

Police investigators and prosecutors are participating in a two-day training workshop aimed at strengthening criminal investigations and improving the quality of cases brought before the courts.

The workshop, which began on Thursday, is being hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the PACE Justice Project in partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Guyana Police Force.

The training is focused on addressing common challenges in the criminal justice system including incomplete case files, gaps in investigations and improving cooperation between investigators and prosecutors.

Participants will examine best practices for investigating organised crime, financial crimes and corruption, while also focusing on what is required for a case file to be trial-ready.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack stressed the importance of ensuring that investigators, prosecutors and members of the judiciary work from the same understanding.

“I have asked for the judiciary and prosecution to be trained alike because if the two, which include investigators, are not operating from the same perspective or singing from the same hymn book, we will not make progress in the courts with the cases,” Ali-Hack said.

She noted that the approach has already produced positive results.

“This training has enhanced the ability of both the bench and the bar and the investigators in their various functions,” she said.

Ali-Hack also praised the support provided through the UNDP project, particularly the technological equipment supplied to the justice sector, which she said has helped improve the criminal justice system.

The DPP further called for the creation of a practical manual for both investigators and prosecutors.

“I would really like to see this come to fruition because it will guide them and enhance the investigation as well as the prosecutions,” she said.

Meanwhile, UNDP Guyana Officer-in-Charge Dhiraj Singh said the organisation remains committed to strengthening the justice sector.

“The UNDP recognises the rule of law and access to justice are critical pillars of any democratic country,” he said.

Singh explained that the training is designed to help justice sector officers better carry out their responsibilities and improve access to justice, noting that many participants have already benefited from training in investigative techniques and the use of technology through the project.