Hi-tech helps Dubai Police crack cases in no time

Dubai - 1,038 various examinations have carried out since the beginning of the year till the end of November this year

The hi-tech methods adopted by the Dubai Police to zero in on evidence are helping them crack cases and arrest criminals in record time.
In a recent case, the cops were informed about six iron safe boxes dumped in a desert area in a neighbouring emirate. The boxes were brought to the Dubai Police Laboratory. When they were opened, some papers, documents and cheques were found inside them. The experts examined fingerprints and other evidence, using the latest technology.
Colonel Ahmed Humaid Al Marri, director of crime scene department, said the thorough testing helped the cops arrest the Asian, who had stolen the iron safe boxes and later abandoned them. The police also examined the methods used by the criminal in breaking the boxes - which was then matched with the criminal records and modus operandi of suspects.
After the Asian admitted to having stolen the boxes from different workplaces and residences, he was referred to the public prosecution. 
In another case, the forensic department helped the cops detect the cause of death of a man whose decomposed body was found in one of the deserts in an emirate.
The man's face was beyond recognition, as it was swollen and disfigured. After the forensic examination, it was found that the man had died due to drug overdose. 
The police swung into action and started a swift probe. They apprehended two suspects, who confessed that they had thrown their friend's body in the area after a drug overdose killed him. They were arrested. Based on their confessions and evidence collected from the crime scene, they were referred to the competent authorities for legal action.
Al Marri said that the Dubai Police have carried out 1,038 various examinations since the beginning of the year till the end of November this year. These included examination of bodies in hospitals, natural deaths, and deaths in traffic accidents and drug overdose, and examination of unidentified bodies as well. He said that the department makes sure that there is no foul play in any case.
Al Marri added that a new advanced equipment will be used to examine physical evidence at the crime scene without the need to transfer the evidences to the forensic laboratory, so that the crime is solved in record time. He pointed out that the new 4G technology devices will be adopted, which will help find out results within minutes.
He said that the Dubai Police's crime scene department has 160 qualified staff, who are working in tandem to resolve crimes in other emirates, too
Al Marri said 20 experts from different disciplines were imparted underwater training to dive into water to search and extract evidence - such as tools used in crime.
He said it was part of the team's task to search for bodies thrown into the sea. The perpetrators of crime believe that dumping a body into water will help them wipe out all evidence. The team is also being trained to find out the causes of fires in wooden ships that are submerged. They have to be very careful to ensure that the evidence doesn't get damaged when these ships are lifted by cranes that may lead to their disintegration.
Al Marri said that the evidence at the crime scene goes a long way in cracking a case, while unraveling the motive.
The crime scene department's job starts immediately after the crime is reported and they rush to the site. They cordon off the area and have to prevent anyone from entering it.  
In case of accidents and crimes, such as murder, after examination of the body, they have to make sure that the body is kept in a safe place until it is transferred to the forensic doctor.

• Dubai