In honor of National Forensic Science Week, the Sacramento Police Department will be highlighting our devoted Forensic Investigation Division.  Sunday, August 7 through Saturday, August 13, 2016 marks the Fourth Annual National Forensic Science Week.  During this week, agencies across the nation will be recognizing the vital role that Forensic Science plays in law enforcement.

The men and women of the Sacramento Police Department’s Forensic Investigation Division are highly trained and offer a significant level of expertise.  Our Forensic Division works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and encompasses 3 separate units; the Crime Scene Investigation Unit (CSI), the Latent Print Unit, and the Evidence Lab. 

Our CSI Unit is responsible for documenting and collecting evidence from crime scenes; including anyone that may have been involved in an alleged crime.  CSI utilizes advanced technology such as the Total Station Diagramming System, chemical blood reagents, and UV/IR cameras for Gun Shot Residue (GSR) and injury photographs.

The Latent Print Unit is comprised of civilian staff that analyzes and recovers latent prints from a crime scene, vehicles and items of evidence.  Examiners analyze and compare prints to known prints of individuals in an effort to make identifications or exclusions. 

The Evidence Lab is responsible for the chemical processing of all evidence collected.  Evidence from crime scenes is processed using a variety of chemicals, powders, lasers, and digital photography.  They also specialize in serial number restorations on firearms, DNA and blood sampling, and footwear impression analysis.

In 2015, our Forensic Investigation Division handled over 7,400 calls for service.  They are an essential component in helping solving crime and building prosecutable cases in Sacramento. This division plays a significant role in “Making Sacramento the Safest Big City in California.”