10 Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Forensic Investigators Obtain Korea's First 'International Association for Identification' Crime Scene Certification

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police officers affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first in Korea to pass the certification for Crime Scene Investigator issued by the International Association for Identification (IAI) in the United States, with a total of 10 officers successfully certified.

The Forensic Science Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 18th that, in cooperation with the International Association for Identification, the certification exam was conducted on the 27th of last month, resulting in 10 officers passing in the field of crime scene investigation.

The International Association for Identification was voluntarily established in 1915 by police officers specializing in forensic science in the United States and is currently recognized as the oldest and most authoritative organization in the field of forensic identification. The IAI operates a certification system that accredits professionals in eight specialized areas, including crime scene investigation, bloodstain pattern analysis, and latent fingerprint development.

David Doglietto, Chair of the Crime Scene Certification Committee at the International Association for Identification, congratulated the successful candidates, saying, "Given the very challenging certification process, I hope the passers take pride in their achievement. This is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the high level of expertise in forensic science at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency."

Cho Hyung-woo, a police sergeant (age 32) from the Crime Scene Investigation Team who obtained the certification, said, "Preparing for the certification involved reading several thick textbooks and taking the exam in English, which was quite challenging, but it was a meaningful time to personally enhance my forensic expertise. I will calmly prepare for the next level and definitely obtain it."

The individuals who obtained this certification will be given priority for recommendation to overseas joint investigation teams and related cases aimed at protecting Korean nationals abroad. Koo Jae-sung, head of the Forensic Science Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, emphasized, "The ultimate goal of forensic activities is to protect the lives and property of our citizens. We will faithfully complete the introduction of the IAI certification and the comprehensive development plan to enhance the expertise of forensic investigators at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and strive for the successful establishment of a responsible investigation system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.