Chumoukedima, July 27: Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland on Monday said the state police is strengthening its investigative capabilities through advanced forensic technology, specialised training and improved infrastructure in line with the implementation of the new criminal laws.
Addressing a press conference, the DGP said that while Nagaland Police has traditionally focused on armed policing, the emphasis over the past three years has shifted towards scientific investigation. He said the department has upgraded its forensic science laboratory and introduced mobile forensic vans equipped with advanced tools for crime scene investigation.
The DGP said the vans can do much more than collect fingerprints. They are equipped to preserve digital evidence by cloning data from seized mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices at the scene of crime, helping investigators speed up the investigation process.
Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) said the mobile forensic vans have become even more important under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which mandates forensic examination in offences punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment. The vans are capable of collecting biological samples, conducting preliminary examination of narcotics and explosives, and supporting cybercrime investigations. They are also fitted with portable power backup to operate in remote districts.
The officials said Nagaland Police is also investing in the training of investigating officers through regular workshops on cybercrime, forensic science and terrorism-related investigations in collaboration with agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Investigating officers have also been directed to complete mandatory courses on the Government of India’s iGOT Karmayogi platform.
The DGP further informed that the state government has approved the creation of a separate Directorate of Forensic Sciences, as mandated under the BNSS, which will eventually function independently from the Police Department.
While the current deployment of mobile forensic vans has been planned based on crime patterns and operational needs, the DGP said the long-term objective is to provide at least one forensic van to every district in Nagaland to further strengthen scientific investigation across the state.
