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Forensics Investigations Unit
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The Forensic Investigations Unit is a highly technical unit that is responsible for the professional processing of crime scenes in an attempt to document all facets of a crime thereby providing a solid framework for the reconstruction of the crime. The investigators are able to establish the sequence of events involved in the crime, determine where, when and how the crime was committed as well as who committed the crime. The Forensic Investigations Unit utilizes the natural sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Biology, etc.) plus mathematics to establish the facts of the case and then testify about them in court.
The Forensic Investigation Unit is composed of seven (7) Forensic Investigators and one (1) Forensic Investigations Supervisor. The members of this unit are an integral part of the investigative team which seeks to effectively resolve investigations. The actions of this unit can provide facts and/or information not available from other investigation team members. |
The Forensic Investigations Unit is divided into three distinct functions.
On-Scene Investigations
During the on scene investigation the Forensic Investigator is responsible for:
- Locating, documenting, marking, and collecting physical evidence.
Depending on the crime being investigated this may require the investigator to use special equipment (fuming wand, fuming chambers, alternate light source, electrostatic dust print lifter) or special techniques (casting materials, blood spatter analysis, hand washings, chemical processing, bullet trajectory analysis, etc.). All evidence must be photographed prior to collection.
- Ensuring the chain of custody of evidence is maintained.
The investigator must properly mark all evidence prior to collection and it must be accounted for at all times after collection until the case is resolved. If these steps are not taken the evidence may not be admitted into evidence at a trial.
- Associating persons to the scene of the crime.
This can be accomplished through fingerprints, shoe impressions, hairs, fibers, body fluids, etc.
- Completing detailed sketches of the crime scene.
The investigator uses sketches to augment the photographs or videos taken at the scene. Sketches allow the investigator to illustrate the location and relationship of all evidence to the crime scene.
- Taking accurate measurements of the crime scene.
Measurements are taken from two fixed locations to each piece of evidence so the investigator can provide specific information to its location and its relationship to all other evidence collected.
- Reconstructing the Crime Scene.
This is accomplished by taking digital photographs and digital video of the crime scene and its surrounding area.
The on-scene investigation is a planned, coordinated and legal search of a crime scene to locate all forensic evidence relating to the crime under investigation. The investigation must be thorough, timely, organized and complete.
In-Office Investigations
During this phase of the investigation evidence that is collected from the crime scene will be processed in the Garland Police Forensics Lab for fingerprints using various techniques including powder processing, chemical processing, alternate light sources and photography. Vehicles can be processed in the forensic garage using tenting techniques, chemicals, powders, blood splatter analysis, bullet trajectory analysis and the Bend Pak auto lift.
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
The Automated Fingerprint Identification System is commonly referred to as "AFIS." During this phase of the investigation, latent fingerprints from the crime scene are entered into the statewide computer system. The system searches all arrest cards on file from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for possible matches. If the system finds a possible match it alerts the AFIS terminal at the Garland Police Department and a Forensic Investigator will compare the suspect's prints to the latent print collected from the scene. If the comparison is a positive match, the Forensic Investigator will notify the Detective assigned to the case, and an arrest warrant can be issued for that person.
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2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
| On Scene Investigations |
3,967 |
3,428 |
3,539 |
3,602 |
| In-Office Investigations |
3,317 |
4,328 |
5,372 |
4,769 |
| Evidence Processed in Forensic Facility |
1,677 |
1,547 |
1,367 |
1,339 |
| Evidence Submitted to Labs |
142 |
140 |
181 |
170 |
| Latent Print Comparisons |
22,380 |
24,490 |
22,835 |
34,769 |
| Latent Print Matches |
110 |
136 |
77 |
188 |
| AFIS Print Comparisons |
3,149 |
3,541 |
1,830 |
4,089 |
AFIS Print Matches |
30 |
31 |
19 |
30 |
| Finger Print Cards Filed |
11,029 |
8,900 |
6,996 |
8,188 |
| Images Processed |
11,219 |
55,353 |
83,998 |
99,430 |
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