NCJ Number
205616
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 71 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 158-161
Date Published
April 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article explains how the police department in Charlottesville, VA, a mid-sized city, developed a forensic program that has improved the outcomes of investigations and thus the identification and apprehension of offenders.
Abstract
In 1994, the Charlottesville Police Department established an evidence advisory group that consisted of patrol officers, detectives, and sergeants. Over approximately 8 months the group developed a strategy for creating a new forensic unit. The creation of the unit involved composing a new policy and procedure to govern the purpose and operational mandate of the unit, including a standard operating procedure for the unit and its processes; the latter involved crime scene processing and analysis protocols. A first-line supervisor who was knowledgeable about forensic investigation was selected for the unit, and a training curriculum for forensic technicians was developed. A storage facility for evidence was designated, accompanied by the development of policy, procedures, and protocols for managing storage. Equipment specifications were determined, and budget and purchasing procedures were designed. The entire process of conceiving and implementing the unit was coordinated with the commonwealth attorney's office and department management and support personnel. In 1995, the unit began a concerted effort to record and track all forms of forensic identifications and eliminations. The unit went from 54 suspect identifications or eliminations in 1995 to more than 250 in 2002. Between January 1, 1990, and July 2003, the unit had 215 DNA identifications in 75 cases. During the same period, DNA eliminations were used 183 times in 34 cases. By 1999, the unit had established its reputation through effectiveness with routine and major case crime-scene processing. In 2000, the department led the State in weapon, shell-casing, and bullet identification through the use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Charlottesville's achievement shows that a smaller police department can create an effective forensic unit with time, effort, organization, support, and a dedicated staff.