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Functions/Equipment
In 2003, the St. Charles Police Department moved into a new
facility wherein the Forensic/Identification Unit acquired additional,
needed space. The new space consists of a fingerprint processing lab,
vehicle processing garage bay and an audio/video processing room. The
new facility will allow investigators and officers to maximize their
efforts in conducting examinations.
The Unit adopted the use of digital photography in 1999. In doing
so, the Unit established an in-house digital imaging workstation to
assist detectives with their investigations. Additionally, the Unit
examines video evidence with this equipment allowing investigators to
identify suspect(s). This equipment is installed in the audio/video
processing room.
The fingerprint-processing lab enables officers to examine
evidentiary items for latent fingerprints. Traditional powder
techniques are used in conjunction with more advanced chemical methods
such as superglue fuming, iodine fuming, physical developer and
ninhydrin spray. Any developed latents are recovered from the evidence
and later compared to an automated fingerprint database, commonly
known as AFIS, to determine identification.
The vehicle-processing bay is a new concept wherein vehicles are
brought to our facility, placed in a secured garage bay and processed
in a controlled environment. This is the first of its kind in the St.
Louis Metro area, allowing investigators to raise the vehicle via a
lift and examine all aspects of the undercarriage, engine compartment
and frame.
Future
The Unit’s personnel continues to keep pace with the rapid changes
in technology that have a direct impact on processing techniques and
implements those that are the most effective. |
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St. Charles Police Department
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