NCJ Number
213819
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 14,16,23
Date Published
March 2006
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines the ongoing debate in regards to utilizing volunteers as crime scene investigators (CSIs) and technicians, focusing on the benefits and hidden costs of CSI volunteers.
Abstract
Volunteer crime scene investigators (CSIs) or crime scene technicians have been helping law enforcement for years. There are indisputable benefits to volunteers helping with crime scene investigations. In Port St. Lucie, volunteer CSIs provide an alternative way for the department to be a little more effective and efficient. Retired community volunteers assist with entering fingerprints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). In addition, the department has been successful in recognizing the importance of its volunteers. Within the Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program in the Denver Police Department volunteers assist with trace analysis, ballistics, photography, and administrative duties. However, none are assigned to work the crime scenes yet. When considering adding CSI volunteers to a department, while there are no salaries for volunteers, there are other costs, such as background checks, extensive training, equipment, uniforms, IDs, and vehicles. Training and equipment alone can be very expensive. Some departments turn to private foundations, as well as city council members to help with costs. Crime scene investigation is a unique field. The standards for a volunteer CSI or paid CSI should be the same or a department jeopardizes the scene and evidence with the potential to discredit the agency. However, with full training, adequate background checks conducted, and psychological testing, volunteers will be prepared to do the job. Should more volunteers be allowed to do the same work as CSIs, or just some of the work that CSIs do, or should they be directed away from crime scene work altogether? The answer is an ongoing debate and one that individual agencies must decide for themselves.