NCJ Number
216493
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2006 Pages: 96,98-100,102,103
Date Published
November 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article explains how small and mid-sized police departments can develop a cost-effective forensics unit.
Abstract
Because State and metro forensic labs are backed up for months with evidence to be analyzed, small and mid-sized police departments are beginning to look at the feasibility of having their own forensic units for the processing of some types of evidence. The first step is to train selected officers in how to perform simple tasks of evidence collection and analysis. Although some equipment must be purchased from specialty vendors, a crime-scene collection kit can consist of items available from regular retail discount stores, such as rulers, tapes, and bags. Relatively inexpensive digital cameras can be purchased at a consumer electronics store. The number of officers selected for training in basic forensics will depend on the number of total sworn personnel in the agency and the volume and nature of crimes generally characteristic of a given jurisdiction. If the investigative workload is too great for a single department to handle with its own personnel and budget, one option is to join forces with surrounding jurisdictions in creating regional forensic response teams that respond to crimes in the areas served by all the jurisdictions. Although an agency may spend money in developing its own forensic resources, it saves money because of the early and rapid processing of some evidence, which in turn reduces the processing time from evidence collection to arrest to trial, all of which reduces crime and saves working hours.