65A. Forensic specialists

The Minister may, in writing, appoint any of the following individuals to be forensic specialists:

The Minister may at any time revoke an individual’s appointment as a forensic specialist.

The Commissioner must issue to each forensic specialist an identification card, which must be carried at all times by the forensic specialist when exercising powers under any provision in this Act or in any other written law.

A forensic specialist whose appointment as such ceases must return any identification card issued to him or her under subsection (3) to the Commissioner.

A forensic specialist is to be issued with such accoutrements or equipment, or such description of accoutrements or equipment, as the Commissioner may determine to be necessary for the effectual discharge of the duties of a forensic specialist, such as but not limited to handcuffs or cable ties, batons and defensive weapons.

A forensic specialist is not a member of the Police Force.

An individual mentioned in subsection (1)(b) who is appointed as a forensic specialist under that subsection does not, by virtue only of that appointment, become an employee or agent of the Government.

A forensic specialist who is a public officer is subject to the same disqualifications as a police officer as is specified in section 16(1), and any reference in section 16(2) to a police officer includes a reference to a forensic specialist.