Forensics Section

The Forensic Unit is an essential part of successful criminal investigations in West Valley City. The unit is staffed by civilian employees and currently consists of a Forensic Director and four Forensic Investigators available to respond at all times. Each member of the Forensic Unit has a college degree in a forensic science discipline and has obtained specialized training in documenting and processing crime scenes ranging from burglaries to homicides.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a Forensic Investigator include the following:

• Documenting crime scenes using digital photography, digital video and computer assisted diagramming software
• Processing items for latent print evidence
• Casting footwear and tire impressions
• Locating and presumptively testing biological fluids
• Documenting blood spatter patterns and bullet trajectory
• Collecting and preserving samples for DNA testing
• Presumptive drug testing and Marijuana Leaf Identification
• Collecting fingerprints from individuals using a LiveScan System
• Entering and searching latent prints through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
• Comparing and Identifying developed latent prints to known ten print records
• Testifying in courts of law