Montenegrin Forensic Centre Ballistic Laboratory receives international accreditation

With the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, the Ballistic Laboratory of the Forensic Centre has been officially accredited in line with international standards – ISO 17025, enhancing the credibility and reliability of forensic analysis.

The Forensic Centre is dedicated to achieving the highest professional standards in its work, with international accreditation of its chemical laboratoryies for drug testing, the DNA laboratory, fingerprint and gunshot residues (GSR) laboratories, and now for ballistics.

Supporting regional co-operation and exchange of experience and good practices, the Mission engaged ballistic experts from the Forensic Centre of North Macedonia to support Montenegrin counterparts in the accreditation process.

Upon receiving this official accreditation, Dr. Sandra Kovačević, Head of the Forensic Centre, stated that it provides police and the law enforcement agencies with tools needed to more effectively address security challenges.  “The support of the OSCE Mission has not only improved our capabilities, but has also contributed to the broader goal of enhancing regional security through more effective forensic practices,” said Dr. Kovačević.

Dominique Waag, Head of OSCE Mission, congratulated the Head of the Forensic Centre, Dr. Sandra Kovačević, for this important achievement and underscored the Mission’s partnership with the Centre, which has been forged over the years, and said she is keenly aware of the pivotal role that Forensic Centre plays in ensuring the proper gathering and analysis of evidence for effective law enforcement and the fair adjudication of cases in courts as he final instance. “The meticulous work carried out by the Forensic Centre significantly contributes to the strength and integrity of the criminal justice system. Properly handled and scientifically validated evidence not only enhances the credibility of investigations but also upholds the principles of justice and the rule of law,” said Ambassador Waag.

The OSCE has supported the Forensic Centre since its inception in 2008, both in terms of providing equipment and professional training and mentoring to its scientists, including the accreditation processes. In 2024, the Mission will help the Forensic Centre to fill a gap in its experts by training a new ballistics examiner in the newly certified ballistics laboratory, and in order to acquire knowledge of best practice.