Crime Scene Investigation
The Idaho Falls Police Department maintains its own crime lab and employs a full-time civilian Crime Scene Investigation Technician.
In many criminal investigations, it is necessary to determine and prove through various types of physical evidence, that a particular person was present at the scene of a crime. For this reason, the collection and forensic examination of evidence, such as blood, hair, fibers, soil, and glass is routinely practiced. Since the criminal must either be walking or driving as they enter or leave a crime scene, it is important that shoe and tire impressions are often collected and provide excellent physical evidence.
Our CSI technician and detectives are trained in the use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and are experts at examining and comparing latent prints.
In many criminal investigations, it is necessary to determine and prove through various types of physical evidence, that a particular person was present at the scene of a crime. For this reason, the collection and forensic examination of evidence, such as blood, hair, fibers, soil, and glass is routinely practiced. Since the criminal must either be walking or driving as they enter or leave a crime scene, it is important that shoe and tire impressions are often collected and provide excellent physical evidence.
Investigation Process
The Crime Scene Investigation Technician is charged with the processing of crime scenes and for providing expert court testimony. CSI photographs, collects, and examines evidence discovered, and collected at crime scenes. CSI technicians are trained to photograph, prepare and collect footprint, tool, and tire impressions.Our CSI technician and detectives are trained in the use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and are experts at examining and comparing latent prints.
Firearms recovered from crime scenes and from arrestees are carefully preserved and examined by CSI and the Idaho State Police Lab for DNA analysis.
As noted from the following FBI bulletin report, crime scene processing and proper evidence collection is crucial to the successful investigation and prosecution of crimes:
"Crime scene examination is a forensic science activity that helps investigators identify, interpret, and recover physical evidence from a crime scene so that the evidence can be physically analyzed by the investigator or forwarded to the appropriate scientific discipline for further scientific analysis. The investigator is also responsible for the management of the crime scene, any attending scientific specialists, and the case management of evidence. In order to undertake this responsibility, the investigator must have the competence to record the crime scenes, as required, by notes, diagrams, photography, and video. The collection procedures must be of the highest level in order to provide integrity of exhibits and prevent any cross-contamination, particularly with trace evidence."
As noted from the following FBI bulletin report, crime scene processing and proper evidence collection is crucial to the successful investigation and prosecution of crimes:
"Crime scene examination is a forensic science activity that helps investigators identify, interpret, and recover physical evidence from a crime scene so that the evidence can be physically analyzed by the investigator or forwarded to the appropriate scientific discipline for further scientific analysis. The investigator is also responsible for the management of the crime scene, any attending scientific specialists, and the case management of evidence. In order to undertake this responsibility, the investigator must have the competence to record the crime scenes, as required, by notes, diagrams, photography, and video. The collection procedures must be of the highest level in order to provide integrity of exhibits and prevent any cross-contamination, particularly with trace evidence."