Forensics

The Spartanburg Public Safety Forensics Unit consists of two Forensic Technicians. The technicians are responsible for the processing of crime scenes in order to document all aspects of the crime, so that the crime may be reconstructed. By documenting the crime scene, technicians are able to determine how, when, and where the crime was committed as well as gathering valuable information relating to the identity of the offender(s).

While on the scene, the Forensic Technicians locate, document, mark, and collect physical evidence. Depending on the crime, the technicians may use special equipment, including alternate light sources, metal detectors, and super glue fuming chambers. Also, the technicians may use special techniques, such as blood spatter analysis, shoe and tire impression casting, chemical processing, and fingerprint dusting.

The Forensics Unit is also responsible for processing evidence in the lab. Items collected on the scene are processed for fingerprints, DNA, or trace evidence. When trace or DNA evidence is located, it is submitted to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for further analysis. The Forensic Technicians collect physical evidence including clothing, buccal swabs, elimination fingerprints and gunshot residue. Technicians also respond to autopsies to document and collect items recovered by the pathologist.

Forensics Technician Courtney Westfall

processes evidence at a crime scene.

(Photo courtesy of Spartanburg Herald-Journal)