The Forensic Investigation Section is an integral part of the
Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU). Forensic Investigators are
responsible for collection and processing of crime and accident scene evidence.
Equipped with highly specialized equipment, training and techniques, Forensic
Investigators are routinely called upon to scientifically discover, analyze and
explain, the complex and often times minimal evidence left by criminals and
victims. The Investigators are charged with the collection, storage and court
presentation of all evidence that is taken into custody by Sheriff’s Office
personnel.
Forensic Investigators are Deputy Sheriff’s who have at least two years of
highway patrol experience, and who have shown an ability to thoroughly
investigate and document crimes and incidents. Investigators must also possess
the ability to testify credibly in courtroom proceedings. Investigators are
assigned to work on day and evening shifts and they work under the supervision
of a CIU Sergeant. Investigators are on call twenty-four hours a day.
Investigators are trained and certified in a multitude of specialized skills:
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Arson Investigation
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Latent Fingerprint Examination Level I, II and III
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Bloodstain Pattern and Splatter Analysis
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Digital and 35 mm Photography
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Alternate Light Source Operation
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Video Analysis and Enhancement
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Accident Reconstruction
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Death Scene Investigation
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Tire and Shoe Impressions and Analysis
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Human Remains Recovery and Evacuation
The Forensic Investigation Lab is equipped with technology nearly as
sophisticated as that of today’s criminals:
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Darkroom and Color Photo Processor
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Alternate Light Source and LASER
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AVID - Video recorder, capture and analysis equipment and dedicated
high-end video editing workstation and software
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35 mm and 10+ mega pixel cameras
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15 mm – 600 mm photographic lenses
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42-inch ink jet plotter
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Digital photo processor
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Crime Scene LASER transit and software
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Fingerprint preservation, development and analysis equipment and cyanoacrylate
(super-glue) fuming tanks
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Crime Scene Investigation Trucks - contain tools, supplies and generators
and provide for scene investigation and evidence collection at all hours of the
day and under all weather conditions.
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SAFIS Terminal – Fingerprint Identification System
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Computer Forensic Analysis equipment
The resources of the Forensic Identification Section are available to all county
agencies and the Investigators work closely with county police and fire
departments.