Posted: 2/4/2008 9:30:08 AM EDT
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I assume that large agencies all have their own crime scene/evidence technicians that come out to major crime scenes to identify, collect, and process evidence. I work for an agency that does not have such personnel. If we catch a homicide, our state lab will send it's crime scene unit out, but only if it's a homicide. Anything else and we're on our own, and we don't have anyone with any real training in this area. So who collects your evidence at major crime scenes (robberies, serious assaults, etc)? Do your patrol people fumble through it? Do any of your patrol people have advanced training? Do you utilize non-sworn personnel for this function? I need to address this problem, and I'm looking for direction. |
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We have CSI's who are non sworn. They do the dirty work. However.... We have had advanced training for the patrol officers in Lifting Prints, and swabbing for DNA. Also had blood splatter training as well. None of it makes you an expert, but does help you do your job. Scene integrity is very important. Any one who comes into it, can and most likely will bring something in and take something out. So you must maintain your scene with as few variables/people before and during processing. (you probably already know that) Maintain a log of any who enter and leave.. Does your State require continuing education to keep your commision? If so... Maybe check to see if there are any classes avail. We have some that come up from the State that are free. Just gotta get there. Check some of the larger agnecies to see if you can attend some of their training. Hope that helps. |
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I recommend that you contact Eagle Crime Scene, Inc., located in Glen St. Mary, Florida. Eagle Crime Scene, Inc. Mr. LaForte offers a really great CST course and he will even sell you one of his crime scene processing manuals even though you did not attend his course. I just finished a 1 year detail as my shift's Crime Scene Investigator and I got Mr. LaForte's manual. Crime scene processing is an art that must be developed, sometimes through trial and error... patience and attention to detail are key. I have heard many times over that small crimes provide a real world training ground for a CSI to sharpen his/her skills... it's true. Basic tasks like latent finger print processing with powders or super glue chambers, use of alternate forensic light sources, shoe/tire impression casts, use of Microsil for tool mark impression casts, and photography are not difficult and some basic guidelines are all that is needed. Yet these tasks can yield some of the most valuable evidence at the street officer level. Many agencies simply collect items for lab analysis... it's the proper identification, collection, and preservation techniques that make the difference. I'll IM you my cell # and you can call me tomorrow if you have any questions... |