Belize National Forensic Science Service

26/04/2026

📣🧬Here are ten FAQs about Belize's new DNA Bill:

1. Why does Belize need a DNA law?

To enable greater use of forensic tools in the investigation and prosecution of major crimes, a new law is necessary to govern the collection, use and storage of forensic DNA profiles. The new law will establish a National DNA Database designed to protect the rights of individuals and to balance those rights against the interests of justice and public safety.

2. What is a forensic DNA profile?

A forensic DNA profile is a set of identification characteristics generated from DNA analysis for the purpose of human identification or for the purpose of confirming or disproving whether a person was involved in committing a crime.

3. Whose DNA profiles will be collected and stored in the National DNA Database?

Forensic DNA samples will be collected from certain suspects, convicts, victims, missing persons, relatives of missing persons, unidentified deceased persons as well as from crime scenes for entry into the Database. DNA samples can only be collected from a person by authorized officers such as Crime Scene Technicians or Medical Officers. Consent must be obtained, or a Court Order obtained for suspects and convicts who do not give consent, before a DNA sample can be collected from a person. Profiles must also meet certain quality criteria to be eligible for entry into the Database.

4. Where will the National DNA Database be housed?

The Database will be housed securely at the Belize National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) and will be administered by the Custodian who is the Executive Director of the NFSS. The NFSS is a Government Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise and is staffed by civilian Public Officers who possess the required scientific training to manage and operate forensic databases. The National DNA Database will only be accessed by limited forensic science professionals according to strict security procedures put in place to maintain the integrity of the Database. External access by non-forensic staff will be strictly prohibited.

5. Who will be able to search the National DNA Database?

Only trained and authorized staff at the Belize National Forensic Science Service will have access to the Database to conduct searches on behalf of law enforcement investigators as part of criminal investigations, missing person investigations or humanitarian identification efforts. Profiles kept in the Database as part of criminal investigations will be stored and searched separately from other profiles that are kept for humanitarian identification purposes.

6. Will foreign governments have access to the National DNA Database?

No, external access by any other local or foreign government agency will be strictly prohibited. Requests by a foreign government to search the Database or to access information stored in the Database as part of a criminal investigation in another country must be submitted via a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). If the MLAT request is approved by the Attorney General, only authorized personnel from the Belize National Forensic Science Service will access the Database to execute the search requested or to retrieve the information requested that is stored in the Database.

7. How will a person who is suspected of committing a crime be protected under the new law when providing his or her DNA sample?

Police investigators must have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person was involved in committing an offence punishable on indictment (e.g. murder, manslaughter, r**e, unlawful sexual in*******se, kidnapping, etc.) and must first seek that person's consent to obtain his or her DNA sample (usually a buccal swab unless otherwise indicated), which is to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace. There are special protections in place for children and vulnerable persons. If the person does not give consent, the Police investigator must have sufficient reasons to be able to convince a Magistrate to issue a Court Order for the lawful collection of a DNA sample from the suspected person. The Court Order will authorize the collecting officers to use reasonable force if necessary to obtain the DNA sample. The suspect is entitled to have an attorney or an adult of his or her choice present while the DNA sample is being collected. The suspect is entitled to a copy of his or her DNA profile that is being stored in the Database. Unless the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Commissioner of Police applies to the High Court to continue storing the suspect's DNA profile in the Database, the suspect is entitled to have his or her DNA profile removed from the Database if: a) investigations reveal that the suspect was not involved in committing the offence; b) the suspect is not charged within 12 months after the collection of the DNA sample; or c) the charge is withdrawn against the suspect or he or she is acquitted of the offense.

8. Will victims or relatives of missing persons be ordered to provide a DNA sample?

No, collection of DNA samples from victims or from relatives of missing persons is completely voluntary and requires consent from the person providing the DNA sample or from his or her parent or guardian. Furthermore, victims or relatives of missing persons are entitled to have their DNA profiles removed from the Database at any time they wish by making a request to the Custodian.

9. If you are convicted of an indictable offence (e.g. murder, manslaughter, r**e, unlawful sexual in*******se, kidnapping, etc.), how long will your DNA profile be stored in the National DNA Database?

Your DNA profile may be stored in the National DNA Database for up to 30 years if you are convicted of an offence upon indictment. If your conviction is quashed, you are entitled to have your profile removed from the Database. The Director of Public Prosecutions or the Commissioner of Police may apply to the High Court to continue storing a convicted person's DNA profile in the Database for longer than 30 years.

10. Will there be any independent oversight for the National DNA Database?

Yes, a DNA Oversight Committee that is comprised of various stakeholder representatives will provide independent oversight and recommendations to the Custodian for the effective administration of the Database.

These FAQs were compiled for the purpose of public awareness. A full copy of the DNA Bill, 2025 can be downloaded from the National Assembly of Belize website, where information on the status of this new legislation can also be accessed: https://www.nationalassembly.gov.bz/

21/04/2026

19/04/2026

Belize is about to join the list of countries that have establised a National DNA Database to advance forensic investigations into major crimes, missing persons and unidentified human remains. This forensic DNA database will help Belizean authorities to ensure that justice can be administered through the use of modern scientific tools and will help to provide more accurate closure for families with less delays. With the passage of a new law (the DNA Bill, 2025 which is currently before the Senate) respect for the individual rights of a person suspected of or convicted of committing an indictable offence shall be balanced against the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest.

The constant call by the public for improvements in forensic science capacity in Belize is being answered in part through the establishment of the National DNA Database - stay current on this and other developments at the National Forensic Science Service by following our page or by requesting further information via email to [email protected].

16/04/2026

Belize Participates in Forensic Science Professional Internship Program Across Central America and the Dominican Republic

Through a regional project coordinated by SICA in partnership with South Korea, two Belizean Forensic Experts are currently participating in a month-long professional internship in their respective disciplines of lophoscopy and fi****ms analysis at leading national institutions in El Salvador and Guatemala. This program is designed to provide a standardized training framework for forensic experts from all SICA member countries in order to strengthen criminal investigative capacity and promote collaborative knowledge exchange in forensic science across the region.

Subsequent internship cycles in this regional SICA program will focus on other forensic science and legal medicine disciplines including forensic anthropology, toxicology, DNA, seized drug analysis, crime scene inspection and quality management.

For more information, visit: https://www.sica.int/noticias/se-inaugura-pasantia-forense-en-lofoscopia-en-guatemala_1_137761.html

12/02/2026

Whether it's determining cause of death for a criminal death investigation, replacing a fuse on a flame ionization detector, lifting a footwear impression using an electrostatic dust lifter, consulting with criminal justice stakeholders on forensic science legislation, educating the public on the importance of forensic science, or seizing the opportunity to capture a moment with an awesome colleague before continuing your crucial work in service of , our Belizean Women in Forensic Science truly inspire us to keep giving it our all in service of the Belizean people. With 42% of our staff being Women in Forensic Science, the Belize National Forensic Science Service extends gratitude and recognition to our female leaders and role models within every scientific discipline across the Department as we commemorate the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

26/01/2026

Training delivered to recently promoted Police Sergeants on how to submit evidence to the Forensic Lab for analysis

Close partnership between the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) and the Belize Police Department is essential for the avoidance of errors when submitting evidence to the Forensic Laboratory and for the effective use of forensic science in furthering investigations. Each year, approximately 3,000 evidence items from crime scenes and investigations across Belize are submitted to the Forensic Laboratory by Crime Scene Technicians, Police Exhibit Keepers, Detectives and other investigators as part of criminal investigations and medicolegal death investigations. Today, our experienced Evidence Management personnel at the NFSS Laboratory provided detailed guidance to recently promoted Police NCO Supervisors from across the country on the proper ways to package, seal and submit all types of evidence submitted to the Forensic Laboratory and on the correct use of the Request for Analysis Form needed to ensure provision of quality-assured forensic services.

Belize's forensic experts, including our Crime Scene Technicians and Forensic Analysts, deliver specialized training sessions throughout the year when invited as guest lecturers at the National Police Training Academy. More focused use of forensic science during the investigative phase, whether for evidence or intelligence purposes, is crucial to the successful prosecution of criminal offences and for the continued strengthening of Belize’s Criminal Justice System.

31/12/2025

Celebrating tonight? Be sure to ring in the new year safely!

Out celebrating this New Year’s Eve?

🚗 Drive safely

🛑 Never drink and drive

❌ Always wear your seat belt

The World Health Organization (WHO) has more on the risks of harmful alcohol use: https://who.int/health-topics/alcohol =tab_1

17/12/2025

Belize's laws to be strengthened by forensic science 🇧🇿⚖️🧬

Stay updated on the progress of the DNA Bill, 2025, which now goes to the Senate for debate.

11/12/2025

Yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise Hon. Oscar Mira went on an introductory tour of the following Units and Sections of the National Forensic Science Service, which is one of the two Government Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise:

-Medical Examiner's Office, which includes the autopsy facility at CAHSU morgue and our Histopathology section at the Forensic Lab;
-Scenes of Crime Headquarters in Belize City, which is the only Scenes of Crime office countrywide that is operational on a 24-hour basis everyday of the year;
-Forensic Lab in Ladyville, which includes our Serology, Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry, Rapid DNA, Fi****ms Examination, IBIS, Evidence Management, and Administrative Sections.

With the NFSS having eleven (11) office locations countrywide and a current staff strength of seventy (70) Public Officers, on this introductory tour the Minister received an orientation on how forensic science and forensic medicine are used in both criminal investigations and medicolegal death investigations across Belize. The Minister was able to appreciate the significant improvement efforts that have been underway at the NFSS, and our forensic experts had an opportunity to express to the Minister their insights into how forensic operations can be strengthened and how efforts to combat organized crime can be made more effective by greater reliance on forensic evidence and on forensic intelligence.

09/12/2025

What does it take to operate a reliable forensic science service?

For starters, it requires access to modern infrastructure with adequate technical workspaces. Today, the NFSS took a leap forward by officially being handed over the keys to its newly constructed Scenes of Crime Office in Dangriga, donated by the United States Government through its INL Office at U.S. Embassy Belize. This new customized building, which was designed in conjunction with colleagues at MIDH, meets all building code requirements as well as industry standards for a forensic CSI office serving over half the population of the Stann Creek District.

Countrywide, the NFSS has nine Scenes of Crime office locations, of which two are rented and two now owned by GOB, with the remainder being co-located in Police stations across the six Districts. This project, conceptualized in 2019 and now culminating in a new Scenes of Crime Office for Dangriga, is valued at a total cost of USD$370,000.00 and serves as the model for future construction projects that aim to strengthen the capacity of our Scenes of Crime Unit while promoting impartiality as a forensic service provider.

03/12/2025

Preliminary data on BAC levels of drivers who died in fatal RTAs from January to June 2024 indicate that almost 1 in every 2 drivers who died were intoxicated.

Forty-six percent (46%) of motorcycle drivers who died in road traffic fatalities that occurred during the period January to June 2024 had blood alcohol levels above the legally prescribed limit, based on samples obtained during forensic postmortem examinations and that were analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection at the NFSS Laboratory. (n = 26)

Overall, forty-six percent (46%) of drivers of all types of motor vehicles who died in road traffic fatalities that occurred during the period January to June 2024 also had blood alcohol levels above the legally prescribed limit, likewise based on samples obtained during forensic postmortem examinations and that were analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection at the NFSS Laboratory. (n = 37)

The most frequent age range of intoxicated drivers who died in both of these groups (drivers of motorcycles and drivers of all types of motor vehicles) was the 20 - 29 years range.

This statistical dataset was prepared by the NFSS for the “Belize National Alcohol Forum” held on 3rd December 2025 in Belize City.