Strengthening the Judiciary in Latvia by Improving Capacity of the State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia in Order to Comply with Best Practice and International Quality Standards

The purpose of the Project is to improve the capacity and scientific standard of the State Forensic Science Bureau, with the overall objective of ensuring fair legal proceedings in Latvia by supporting enforcement institutions with fast, effective, objective and reliable forensic evidence. Reference is made to the application, dated 5 March 2007, and to further correspondence with the Focal Point dated 20 August, 1 October and 11 October 2007. The completed Project shall include the following activities and results: - training of quality management specialists and internal auditors; - implementation of an electronic access control system; - implementation of a quality assurance system and preparation for quality accreditation; - purchase of seven stereo microscopes and a polarisation microscope; - development of microtrace analysis, incl. organisation of a workshop and purchase of a scanning electron microscope; - development of forensic arson analysis, incl. training and purchase of two gas chromatographs, a thermostat and a hydrogen generator; - development of latent fingerprint analysis, incl. training and purchase of a climate cabinet, a cyanoacrylate cabinet, a digital image processing system and vacuum metal deposition equipment; - participation of Norwegian/EU forensic specialists; and - study visits to Norwegian/EU crime laboratories for Latvian forensic specialists. The Project Promoter is the State Forensic Science Bureau. The Latvian government budget shall provide at least 15 percent of the estimated eligible Project costs.