Crime scene investigation All details of a crime scene must be carefully recorded before anything is disturbed.

CSI’s use a variety of equipment when carrying out crime scene examinations.

Digital 35mm Single Lens Reflex  - DSLR - cameras are used to photographically record evidence and photographs are processed at the Force Central Colour Processing Unit (CCPU).

Investigators also have the capability to record a 360 degree image of the crime scene if required.

General fingerprint examinations are carried out using a variety of brushes including fibreglass. Fingerprint powders are selected depending on the surface to be examined. The three common powder types are granular, flake and magnetic powders. Evidence is recovered using specialist recovery materials produced to an extremely high standard to ensure the samples they contain are contaminant free.

Crime scene investigation

Forensic evidence is usually either physical such as fingerprints or firearms, or biological such as blood or hair samples. Police will often put up tents at scenes of crime to prevent evidence being destroyed by the weather.

Ultraviolet and infrared lights are often used to pick out trace evidence like fibres which cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Print examiners use dusting powders to show fingerprints or take copies of prints using special ‘lifting’ tape.

Casting kits are used to take impressions of tyre tracks or footprints.