Future police officers, as well as current personnel within the internal affairs system benefit from significantly improved conditions for developing crime scene investigation and forensic examination skills. The “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, multifunctional forensic laboratory, transformed into a true center of excellence with support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the U.S. Government.

Present at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, stated: “The inauguration of the multifunctional forensic laboratory marks an important step towards quality education within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This initiative represents an investment in advanced technology, in the training of future officers, and, above all, in the safety of our citizens. Here, students will learn how to turn theory into action and vocation into a career, fully prepared to professionally respond to real-life challenges in the field.”

Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy Daniela DiPierro stated: “Our provision of technologically advanced forensic equipment to the lab has further enhanced its capacity to support investigations. The skills developed through the training this forensic lab makes possible will help Moldova’s police force for years to come.”

Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova, noted: “The results of our common endeavor we are witnessing today will support building a professional police service, trusted by community, endowed with knowledge and skills that ensure safety and security. This training facility, renovated and equipped with the generous support of the U.S. Government, will be used annually by over 5,000 police students and police officers for both qualification and in-service training.”

The newly equipped laboratory will be used by students to learn how to conduct complex forensic investigations – from collecting and analyzing biological traces, fingerprints, and imprints from hard objects, to examining digital devices and detecting forged documents.

The facility includes several specialized spaces for hands-on training: two multifunctional classrooms, a mock-up of a police guard unit, rooms for special hearings and police lineups, and dedicated laboratories for graphoscopy, traceology, dactyloscopy, and chemistry. Additional spaces are equipped for first aid instruction and IT-related activities.

Here, future specialists will be trained in real-life techniques, including on-site investigations, search procedures, and other practical skills essential for their future law enforcement activity.

In addition to the approximately 2,000 students currently enrolled at the Academy, the new facilities will serve the needs of the 3,500 to 3,800 Ministry of Internal Affairs employees who participate annually in both initial and in-service professional development programs.

The renovation and equipping of the forensic laboratory of the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy were carried out within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Police Training Capacities in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by UNDP with the support of the U.S. Government.

As part of the same project, the Academy’s defensive tactics training facility – used for both student instruction and active officer training – was also modernized.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova maintain a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Government and UNDP. Over the years, numerous initiatives have contributed to enhancing institutional and professional capacities within the police force, ensuring a safer environment for all citizens and increasing public trust in law enforcement.

Founded in 1990, the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs provides both initial and in-service training for police officers. The institution offers legal and police studies for officer-level positions as part of higher education programs and prepares sub-officer-level personnel through vocational and practical education.