On 7–9 April, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) held a national workshop in Dushanbe, Tajikistan for law enforcement agencies. 

The seminar aimed to enhance the expertise of forensic department officers and criminalistics experts in modern techniques for collecting physical evidence at crime scenes, with a focus on the initial response by law enforcement. Emphasis was placed on DNA collection methods, the handling of material evidence, and the proper presentation of forensic findings. The seminar also explored the interaction between investigators and forensic specialists, emphasising the importance of transparency and ensuring the reliability of collected evidence. National experts, together with EU specialists, reviewed and compared the legal frameworks for evidence collection and presentation in Tajikistan and EU member states. As the result of the workshop number of recommendations for potential amendments to national legislation were discussed and an assessment of the technical and forensic tools and equipment necessary for effective crime scene work by forensic specialists will be conducted.

The workshop was organised within BOMCA 10’s Component 2, “Improvement of Detection Capacities,” which aims to strengthen law enforcement agencies' investigative capabilities and foster evidence-based investigations.