Detectives responsible for finding evidence at the scenes of crimes are frustrated over the lack of new technology and resources at their disposal, it was claimed yesterday.

The Commission of Inquiry into the handling of crime on the Island went to the Scenes of Crimes unit (SOCO) in the East End to look at the forensic facilities available to officers.

Chairman Justice Stanley Moore said he and his fellow commissioners, former British deputy chief constable Don Dovaston and Bermudian lawyer Shirley Simmons, were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by officers at the unit.

He said they were as eager as everybody else to see crimes detected and cleared up, but found it increasingly difficult without the most up-to-date equipment.

Mr. Justice Moor said: "There has been some suggestion from the press that there has been a drop in Police morale arising out of the work of this inquiry.

"Well, our observation was the exact opposite.

"Officers left their work and spent time at SOCO discussing with us the practical difficulties they have to face.

"They showed us changes they think should be made. These people are very serious about it and very concerned. They made a very useful contribution.

"If anything best describes their mood, it is frustration.'' The chairman said the detectives were aware of changes to legislation which have happened elsewhere, but have not yet been adopted here, such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), which looks at the whole investigation process.

He added: "They wish they had the same tools. That appears to be their major concern.'' Mr. Dovaston, whose expertise lies in detective and forensic work, said the officers were "struggling'' to keep up with their task under the present circumstances.

He added: "We obviously are looking to see what improvements could be made and hopefully in the recommendations of the commission, some of these will be taken on board in time.

"We did identify some things that gave us concern, not least... the legislation.'' But Mr. Dovaston, who last week voiced concern about the lack of cases prosecuted in Bermuda with the use of DNA, would not further explain what any of those concerns were.

Last night a Police spokesman said there would be no comment from the force about anything that was said at the inquiry or on what new resources or legislation was needed in the SOCO department.

Minister for Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Paula Cox was not available for comment.

But Shadow minister Michael Dunkley, who has expressed concern about last year's poor rate of crime-solving on the Island, urged Government to invest heavily in the force and bring standards back up to scratch.

He said: "I cannot blame the Police here, I think Government is responsible.

"The Police Commissioner himself has admitted that manpower shortages have been a problem and I think it is time that the Government got tough on crime.

"I'm very sympathetic with these officers in the Scenes of Crime department.

"How can officers detect crime if they do not have the tools. Criminals are always at the cutting edge, so the Police have to be, too.'' The Commission of Inquiry, which has remained open to the press and public since it began more than two weeks ago to study the handling of crime on the Island, was not in session again yesterday due to witnesses being unable to appear.

However, the commissioners said the break had enabled them to go on site visits and had given them a further opportunity to read background material, including previous case files on crimes.

Due to appear is Attorney General Lois Browne-Evans, Solicitor General Bill Pearce, and father of murdered Canadian teenager Dave Middleton and family friend Rick Meens.

The commissioners are eager to hear from any victims of serious crime who would be willing to talk about their experiences, either on the witness stand, in private or even in writing.

They should call or write to barrister Richard Hector, who is marshalling the hearing, at his office in Sofia House, Church Street, Hamilton.

MURDER MUR CRIMES CRM