Jamaica made history by opening the Caribbean’s first new state-of-the-art Forensic Pathology Facility Suite

Jamaica has recently taken significant strides in enhancing its forensic capabilities, with the opening of a state-of-the-art Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite in Kingston, located at 149 Orange Street. This facility is described as the Caribbean’s first of its kind and represents a major investment of approximately $680 million by the Ministry of National Security. 

This new facility is specifically designed for medico-legal autopsies and is equipped with advanced technology, multiple dissecting bays, advanced laboratories, an x-ray room, and storage for up to 150 bodies. It aims to streamline post-mortem services, reduce delays previously caused by reliance on private funeral homes, and strengthen the overall forensic capabilities of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). 

The opening of this Autopsy Suite is part of a broader effort to strengthen Jamaica’s national security infrastructure and equip law enforcement with world-class investigative tools. This includes advancements in areas like ballistics analysis and digital forensics. 

In addition to the Autopsy Suite, the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM) plays a crucial role in Jamaica’s forensic landscape. Located in Kingston, the IFSLM houses various departments including DNA, Chemistry, Serology, Pathology, and Firearm & Toolmark (Ballistics). The IFSLM aims to provide high-quality services to support law enforcement and the criminal justice system. 

While the new Autopsy Suite is a major step forward, ongoing efforts are underway to further strengthen forensic science services in Jamaica. The government has also invested significantly in technology for the JCF, improving their ability to gather and analyze evidence. 

In summary, Jamaica has made notable progress in establishing state-of-the-art forensic facilities, particularly with the recent opening of the Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite, which is considered a leading facility in the Caribbean. 

The Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine (IFSLM) in Jamaica now houses the Caribbean’s first state-of-the-art Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite. The facility, opened in June 13/ 2025, represents a significant investment in strengthening forensic capabilities within the region.  

Key aspects of this facility:

• World-Class Technology: Equipped with world-class technology, the suite is designed to support modern policing and the delivery of justice.
• Enhanced Forensic Capabilities: It enables advanced ballistics analysis, digital forensics, and various other forensic services to improve the speed and accuracy of criminal investigations.
• Medico-Legal Autopsies: This is the first national public facility in Jamaica dedicated to conducting medico-legal autopsies since the 1970s.
• Infrastructure: The suite includes multiple dissecting bays, advanced laboratories, an x-ray room, and storage for up to 150 bodies.
• Commitment to Justice: This investment highlights the Jamaican government’s commitment to strengthening justice, protecting evidence integrity, and supporting public health. 

The IFSLM performs forensic examination and analysis of a wide variety of physical evidence, adhering to internationally recognized quality assurance standards. They also provide intelligence leads for criminal investigations through services like the National DNA Register, IBIS, and Electronic Trace (eTrace).  

The opening of this advanced Forensic Pathology Autopsy Suite marks a transformative moment for crime-solving and the justice system in Jamaica.