Crime Scene Unit

The Commanding Officer of the C.S.U. is a Lieutenant, who is responsible for the overall operation of the unit including staffing, budgetary and fiscal constraints, acquisition and allocation of forensic resources, overseeing complex forensic investigations and maintaining a high level of integrity regarding professional standards. The unit is staffed on a 24/7 schedule, i.e., 24 hours per day, and 7 days per week.

The value of properly collected physical evidence and subsequent analysis by trained personnel in the C.S.U. cannot be overestimated. Physical evidence is a silent witness, always present at crime scenes. Only after it has been detected, collected, analyzed, interpreted and presented will the evidence have meaning.

It is ubiquitous because of a phenomenon known as transference. Simply stated, no individual can enter or leave any enclosed area of space without picking up or leaving behind a myriad of items of physical evidence. This act of transference is the sole basis of fact, which governs all crime scene investigations. Often times, and as a result of exhaustive analyses of evidence recovered from crime scenes, suspects of crimes who might otherwise go undetected are identified and arrested. Conversely, analyses of physical evidence often time exclude individuals as perpetrators of a crime.

It is the mission of the C.S.U. to further the application of forensic disciplines within the legal and professional standards prescribed by existing mandates. Members of this unit constantly strive to familiarize themselves with innovative scientific and technological developments in all aspects of forensic science and crime scene investigation.

OVERVIEW OF APPLIED SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES
Until eternity, there will be allegations of gunfire from the grassy knoll. It has long been established that items of physical evidence are the staples of determining the truth in a criminal investigation. Certain physical evidence is scientifically and legally irrefutable. Examples of this valuable evidence are: fingerprints, DNA (Deoxyribonucleicacid), physiological fluids, hairs, fibers, shoe and footwear impressions, toolmark impressions and ballistics evidence.

The value of fingerprints at crime scenes is unparalleled in Forensic Science. The introduction of Cyanoacrylate Ester, commonly known as "Superglue", has advanced the science of fingerprinting to a point where almost any surface can yield fingerprints, even the human body. Fingerprints are not duplicated in any other human being, even identical twins. Five months following the murder of a police officer in a fast-food restaurant, the murder weapon was recovered beneath 27" of silt and water from a creek bed. The left thumbprint of one of the suspects was recovered from the cylinder of the gun, forever linking him to the crime.

Because the average human being loses approximately 200 head hairs per day, chances are that the recovered hair will help to lead investigators to the apprehension of the guilty individual. One hair follicle can yield the following information: Race, gender, drug abuse, vitamin deficiencies, hair coloring, gel, mousse and whether the hair fell out naturally or was forcibly pulled, chopped, cut or struck with a blunt instrument.

Footwear impressions, tire tread patterns, bullets and even every day tools contain both class and individual characteristics, which make them absolutely unique. During a homicide investigation, a small piece of metal was recovered from a lower window sash which the perpetrator forced entry. The piece of metal was later compared to a broken screwdriver recovered from the perpetrator's vehicle. As a result, a unique match was obtained. This evidence was instrumental during the trial and subsequent first-degree murder conviction.

CASELOAD
For example, during the calendar year 1999, members of the Crime Scene Unit responded to approximately 2000 requests for crime scene processing and assistance. Of these, approximately 900 assignments involved either death or serious bodily injury. The remaining assignments were comprised of sexual assaults, child endangerment, property crimes, narcotics investigations and miscellaneous confidential investigations. Each assignment, regardless of the perceived complexity, is investigated objectively, methodically and as thoroughly as possible.

Seemingly, violent crimes and crimes against property continue unabated in our society. Forensic science continues to benefit those whom we have sworn to protect and serve. This hallowed oath of government to their people has long been the hallmark of freedoms enjoyed by the masses, and for as long as the masses clamor for these freedoms, forensic science will be waiting silently; ready to respond to the challenges of a free and democratic society.

Crime Scene Unit Photo Gallery

Aspiring crime scene investigators begin the long education process of learning how to detect, collect, analyze and preserve vital crime scene evidence.		An example of a visible latent fingerprint that was revealed after applying a dusting medium to give the print added contrast.		The Crime Scene Unit is, by its very nature, a mobile laboratory. Here, one of the unit's mobile crime labs is displayed outside Police Headquarters.
The methods and technologies used to detect fingerprints continue to improve. Here, latent prints are revealed using a special laser whose spectrum is tuned specifically for print detection.		Detecting and retrieving latent fingerprints is a special skill that can only be acquired through routine practice on a variety of surfaces and in different environments.		Trace evidence such as this blood stained foot print are also the focus of the evidence technician's attention.