Police officers trained in GPS data analysis |24 January 2015

Four police officers have been trained on how to analyse data from GPS (Global Positioning System) devices.

The three-day training workshop sponsored by the British high commission and known as the ‘GPS Forensics Blackthorn Certification Training’ was held recently at the Seychelles Police Academy at Pointe Larue.

The officers received their certificates on Thursday afternoon in a short ceremony in the presence of police deputy commissioner Fernand Hunter, assistant commissioners Godfra Hermitte and Reginald Elizabeth and the British high commission spokesperson Matthew Harper.

The course was facilitated by Ben Lemere, an American expert in GPS forensics and director of a company called “Berla Corporation”.

During the three days, he provided the investigators with the necessary skills to extract and analyse data from aviation, maritime, automotive and handheld GPS devices, to conduct full forensic examinations, to increase their investigation capability, to produce good reports and to testify effectively in court.
During the ceremony, Mr Harper also presented a batch of forensic equipment to the Seychelles Police.

He remarked that the British government applauds the Seychelles’ leadership in the fight against piracy in the western Indian Ocean.

He reminded that the threat has not gone away and the joint national and international forces should continue in their quest to fight this form of crime.
“This is why the support from the British government is as strong as ever, not only to combat crime but also to reinforce the criminal and justice system,” he said.

Mr Harper rightly highlighted that the skills and equipment received by the police officers will be used not just in the fight against piracy but also for domestic crime fighting.

Accepting the donation on the part of the police force, Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth pointed out that while technology plays a crucial role and brings many benefits in our daily lives, some people unfortunately use it to their advantage to commit crimes.

Consequently, he said, information storing devices become a repertoire for evidence in criminal investigation and this compels the police to develop its capacity in order to tap into such evidence.

“We should obtain evidence which is forensically sound and in compliance with legal conformity for a successful prosecution. The forensic training is a step in the right direction,” he said.

On behalf of the Seychelles police, he seized the opportunity to thank the British high commission for its support and wished that such collaboration will continue in order to ensure a safer Seychelles.

One of the course participants, Corporal Lindy Mellie, described the training as valuable, adding that it has given her and her colleagues the opportunity to gain useful skills and knowledge, consequently enhancing their capacity in the area of GPS forensics.

On behalf of her colleagues, she promised to put what they have learnt into good practice.

Apart from her, the other officers who benefitted from the training are Constable Jocelyn Quilindo and inspectors Ivan Esparon and Aubrey Quatre.