Professional Accountability

The crime scene investigator is a professional. His or her dress will reflect this standard accordingly. An investigator could be mistaken for an administrator or an executive on his way to the office. But this professional may be casting a tire track found in eight inches of snow, or working in 95-degree temperature. He may have to crawl under a house to search for a spent cartridge.

The crime scene investigator gives his testimony, the fingerprint he lifted, the toolmark he cast, the cartridge case he located, and the various other types of evidence he processed that place the suspect, beyond any doubt, at the scene of the crime. Successful case conclusion give the crime scene investigator his job satisfaction.

The crime scene investigator may not be in the center of media coverage on a case but their efforts do not go unrecognized. Since the successful conclusion of a case results from a combination of various specialties, this recognition by the crime scene investigator's peers is more personally rewarding than any news media coverage.

The investigator assists criminal justice officials in preparing criminal cases, and by providing reports, sketches, and photographs. The investigator gives expert testimony in criminal court cases. This testimony must not only follow the rules of evidence but must also be able to explain, in laymen's terms, to a jury the significance of the evidence as it relates to scientific proof. Investigators maintain an in-depth knowledge of federal and state statues, court cases, and agency rules and regulations.

Back to WKUPD Home Page