Tenerife Forensic Institute Faces Collapse Amid Staffing Crisis

The Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (IML) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is facing a critical situation. The forensic science institute is severely understaffed, a problem that, according to a workers' committee, threatens to halt vital services and undermine justice in the province. This isn't a new issue; it's been building for nearly 30 years and has now reached a critical point, risking a complete breakdown.

The biggest worry is the Forensic Pathology Service, which handles autopsies. It needs three permanent autopsy assistants but only has two. Three temporary assistants have been filling the gap, but their contracts run out on March 3rd. They will actually leave even sooner to take their holidays. Without these temporary staff, the committee warns the service won't be able to cope. This could stop autopsies from happening, stalling police investigations and the IML's daily work. Even now, these temporary staff finish work at 3 PM, causing delays that force families to postpone wakes until the next day.

The problem also affects the juvenile justice system. A shortage of psychologists and social workers has led to trials being put on hold in courts and the public prosecutor's office. Without crucial expert reports, some cases are getting dangerously close to their legal time limit, meaning they could be dropped, according to prosecutor's office sources.

Beyond the staff shortages, there are also complaints about poor working conditions. Union representatives say employees lack basic guarantees and that fundamental rights are being violated. They've even highlighted cases where IML staff weren't properly registered for social security, which they call a serious administrative error.

In response to these concerns, the Canary Islands Government's Directorate General for Justice has stated that "autopsy assistants for the Forensic Pathology Service are guaranteed." They report that a committee has been set up to review applications for three positions, and a process is in motion to ensure the service remains staffed. For the juvenile justice system, a similar committee has been formed and will assess candidates within a week to boost technical teams and get the public prosecutor's office and juvenile section back to normal. These new hires, they add, are part of an emergency plan launched late last year to increase IML staff. The Ministry also highlights that a comprehensive staffing plan for the IML, which includes 81 new roles like psychologists, social workers, and autopsy assistants, is well underway. This plan aims to provide a long-term, stable increase in staff. Regarding the social security issues, the Directorate General described it as a "specific administrative matter currently being resolved," insisting that all contracts were legally drawn up.