ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF FORENSIC TOOLS IN CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION IN NIGERIA; A CASE STUDY OF BENIN METROPOLIS.

Abstract

Abstract Crime scene investigation is a significant and vital stage in criminal investigation. The process is a very long and tedious exercise that involves meticulous documentation of the crime scene leading to collection and recovery of evidence in order to deduce the events of a crime. Doing this, requires the application of some scientific or forensic tools which enables the prosecution to produce credible evidence with which to get justice for the victim. Objectives; This study was therefore conducted to investigate the application of forensic tools in crime scene investigation in Nigerian using Benin City as a case study. Method; In the study, investigators of the various investigative units in Edo State Criminal Investigations Department in Benin City within the three local government areas that make up Benin metropolis was the study population. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interview from senior serving and retired police officers. 110 respondents were initially drawn as the sample for the study, however, only 98 results were received and were used for the final sample. Using an interview schedule and statistical analysis technique, the data were critically analyzed. Results; Results from the study showed non usage of any form of forensic evidence in the various investigations carried out by the Police. Challenges, such as poor training, inadequate funding and interference from diverse quarters contribute to limit the effective use of forensic investigation in the conduct of criminal investigations. Conclusion; The Police being the chief execution arm of government and by implication other law enforcement agencies, the legal community and the Nigerian public are yet to fully grasp the nucleus or important roles of forensics science in crime investigation. On this premise, it was recommended that specialized forensic units be established for criminal investigations which should be adequately funded.