Training Objectives

Currently, the DNA Project publishes general crime scene awareness 'guidelines' on this website in an effort to disseminate this important information. However, it is necessary to address a wider audience, through the implementation of specialised training courses, training material and the media. The lack of training and more critical, training facilities, throughout South Africa poses a huge problem, as does the lack of training “champions” and course material available for this purpose.

The DNA Project is raising the funds to design and equip a mobile training facility or “training bus” which is envisaged to tour the country and create an awareness of the importance of DNA in forensic investigations. The training bus would be staffed by a trainer that would provide first attending police officers and members of the general public with details on the benefits of DNA evidence in crime detection as well as how to PRESERVE and not CONTAMINATE a crime scene.

The idea of a Training Bus, being a mobile training facility, not only addresses the challenges of a lack of training and training facilities, but also raises DNA awareness throughout the country. The fully equipped Training Bus, by its very nature, will be visual, novel and mobile, and as such will attract attention as it completes its ‘road show.' It is also envisaged that sponsors will have the opportunity of branding the training bus with their dedicated logo. The Training Bus can thereafter be used for training of higher-level police officers, court officials, private security companies, the emergency services and even the general public, in DNA Awareness.

Training Bus Implementation Plan:

• The DNA Project has met with several Engineers to discuss the conversion of a truck or bus into a dedicated Mobile Training Facility. A number of designs have been discussed and drawn up together with a broad cost estimate to implement the conversion.
• The DNA Project is producing a DNA Awareness training DVD which will be utilised as a training medium on the training bus. The training DVD will contain basic information about DNA profiling and the value of DNA evidence, how to contain a crime scene as well as information about the National DNA Database and current legislation which seeks to regulate this area of the law. This information will be of benefit to all first responding crime scene officers and trainees, whatever their role or rank, as it will enable them to use the technology of DNA profiling to provide intelligence and corroborative evidence in crime investigation
• Funding is required for the construction of the Training Bus as well as the “road show” where trainers will tour the country. A proposal highlighting these costs has been sent to potential donors to request additional funding to support this arm of the project. Anyone interested in assisting with funding in this regard, is urged to email Vanessa Lynch on info@dnaproject.co.za
• The design of the Training Bus is envisaged as having two sections: the first section will provide a registration area where the training administrator will register trainees. This area will also be used for storage of training material and will be the office area for the trainer. The rear section will be in the form of a classroom which will accommodate 20 trainees, and will contain a large flat screen TV which will broadcast the training DVD.

The construction of the Training Bus and the development of training materials for use in DNA Awareness Training will be developed over an agreed period and in conjunction with key role players in the SAPS and Justice System, together with the sponsors of the training programme.