BAGHDAD — Thirteen Iraqi Police reached a milestone Nov. 20 when they became the first graduates trained in DNA analysis in the history of Iraq.

This first group to complete the DNA Analysis and Theory course at the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) National Forensics Training Center was comprised of hand-selected college graduates with degrees in chemistry, biology or bio-chemistry and with experience as crime scene investigators.

"This training is wonderful for MoI and we look forward to putting this knowledge into action to help solve crimes," said one of the graduates.  "We were trained with the latest technology and went into each subject in-depth."

Ted Smith, a DNA expert and former director of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, conducted the training.

"I was amazed at how fast they learned.  With the new equipment we are installing here they will have some of the most modern forensic laboratories," said Smith.

"There have been so many advancements in this field over the past 20 years.  DNA analysis used to take three months to get results.  Now the results can be obtained in three days."

Smith explained how the students trained in comparative and analytical disciplines that include fingerprint and document analysis, firearms and tool markings, chemical and toxicology analysis, and quality issues related to DNA analysis.

He went on to say these graduates will continue their training in operational practice and will later train others.  They will then be assigned to operate police forensic laboratories throughout the country. The main National Forensic Training Institute will remain in Baghdad to train future forensic scientists.

The goal is to train at least 72 forensic scientists in Iraq to help support the Police and the judicial system in providing evidentiary information that will support the rule of law.