Technical Services

Crime Scene Investigations involves a specialized team of civilians responsible for providing logistical assistance for the investigation of criminal activity. The services provided by this unit include:

• Maintaining property and evidence
• Providing photographic services
• Responding to crime scenes in order to process them
• Staffing the department's forensic laboratory

Property & Evidence Section
The members maintain the property and evidence vault and are responsible for the intake, storage, and disposition of all property and/or evidence categorized as general evidence, controlled substance, money, jewelry and weapons. Evidence received is properly documented, charted and tracked throughout the system utilizing computer generated bar code labels. The evidence is preserved and maintained, whereby it can be located and presented at any given moment.

Presently the Property and Evidence Section houses nearly 10,000 individual pieces of property and/or evidence. Additionally, the technicians process crime scenes and staff a preliminary lab to prepare evidence for court or for further processing by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The primary focus is on latent search and development and a variety of chemicals and powders are used in conjunction with alternative light sources to develop and document latents on both porous and non-porous surfaces.

Processing Crime Scenes
The members routinely respond to assist detectives and patrol officers in the processing of crime scenes. They are available to respond 24-hours, 7 days a week. Each investigator is fully equipped to document the crime scene with:

• Computer generated diagrams
• Digital photography
• Digital video recordings
• Laser measurements
• Written reports

Each Investigator is professionally trained to recognize, identify, preserve and collect all types of physical evidence. The Investigators each maintain a crime scene vehicle that is fully stocked and capable of immediate response to any type of crime scene.

Oversight
Both the Administrative Support Captain and the Operational Support Captain monitor and maintain the nearly $10 million budget of the department, grant procurement and reporting, processing various bills and purchasing of equipment. The captains work closely with the City's finance department to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Training

The department's training unit develops training programs using relevant training methodologies to stimulate interest on the part of all personnel.

Training Materials
The training materials include video and audiotapes, lectures and scenarios (hands on). These materials bring to light the practical and ethical problems that officers may face on a day-to-day basis. Liability issues today encourage comprehensive documentation of all officers training qualifications and performance.

Scheduled Training & Records
The training unit schedules training and maintains all records pertaining to:

• Blood-borne/Airborne Pathogens Policy and Training
• Collision Avoidance Training
• Defensive Tactics Training
• Domestic Violence/Juvenile Sex Offender Training
• FCIC/NCIC Training
• Firearm Qualifications
• In-Service Training for all certified positions
• Legal Updates

The department has modern training facilities and equipment to ensure all personnel have the latest information to do their duties.

Supervisor Responsibilities
The training unit is supervised by a sergeant who is also responsible for:

• Administration of employment entrance examinations
• Department recruiting
• Employment background investigations
• Reviewing and updating all current training programs

Additional Department Responsibilities
Additionally, all department weapon's maintenance and inventory are overseen by this unit.