Forensic Services Unit
The Forensic Services Unit is under the command of the Administrative Division and is comprised of the crime scene investigation section and the fingerprint section.
Virginia Beach Police Department
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Forensic Services Unit Sections
The crime scene investigation section is staffed 24/7 by 10 crime scene technicians. This section’s primary function is to provide investigative information through the application of various scientific techniques in the recognition, documentation, collection, and analysis of physical evidence recovered during criminal investigations.
In addition to responding to crime scenes, this unit has multiple specialties to include:
Bloodstain Analysis
The examination of the bloodstains left at a crime scene can give information on what events took place to create the patterns observed. A bloodstain pattern analyst uses training and experience to interpret the patterns and helps shed light into the investigation.
Video/Audio Analysis
Video and audio analysis involves extracting video and audio from electronic devices, converting files to useable formats, and basic processing techniques in order to clarify an image or sound.
Shooting Incident Reconstruction
Shooting reconstruction involves documentation and calculation of trajectories based on careful examination of evidence at the scene including projectiles and their impacts to provide a clearer understanding of what happened during the incident.
Serial Number Restoration
A serial number is a unique or non-repeating number applied by manufacturers to identify an item or object. Altering or obliterating a serial number on an item attempts to conceal ownership and possession of the item. Serial number restoration is the application of physical and chemical scientific techniques for the retrieval or recovery of the manufacturer’s applied number that has been obliterated.
Buried Evidence/Remains Recovery Team
The Buried Evidence Response Team is available to work any scattered remains and buried evidence cases that occur. Specialists document and collect evidence on the surface and carefully excavate any buried remains that might exist.
Entomology
Specialists note all types of insects found at death investigations, the surrounding environment, and various temperatures. They collect live and preserved insect samples, which can be an important part of the criminal investigation to establish postmortem interval.
The fingerprint section is staffed with one ten print examiner and three latent fingerprint examiners. This section is primarily responsible for conducting examinations on the latent prints recovered from crime scenes and comparing them to recorded elimination fingerprints from victims and/or fingerprint cards of involved subject(s).
Each latent examiner performs the scientific methodology of analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification (ACE-V) on latent fingerprints submitted to them. If the latent prints were not identified to the known prints after the ACE-V process is completed, the fingerprints are entered into automated search database(s) to conduct electronic comparison to millions of fingerprint cards in State (AFIS) and Federal (IAFIS/NGI) databases.
Ten print and latent print examiners are also responsible for identifying deceased individuals using fingerprints and assisting with record challenges, expungement and various other request from VBPD personnel, VA Courts and other law enforcement agencies.
What type of education is required when seeking a career in forensic science?
For a position with VBPD's Forensic Services Unit a four-year degree is preferred. A strong knowledge in science, specifically forensic science, ensures that our employees are aware of the scientific and legal processes that are the foundation of our field.
What is your advice for someone looking to pursue a career in forensic science?
Due to the competitive hiring process in this career field it is recommended to pursue at least a Bachelor of Science in forensic science degree and to complete an internship while pursuing this degree.
Where can I go to look for job openings in the forensic field?
Visit vbgovcareers.com for jobs with the City of Virginia Beach, or www.crime-scene-investigator.net for jobs throughout the United States and occasionally abroad. The various professional organizations within the forensic science field also maintain job posting boards. Check out vacancies at www.theIAI.org, www.cbdiai.org, www.aafs.org, and others.