Evidence Technicians
Crime Scene InvestigationTwenty-four trained officers identify, collect and process evidence at crime scenes. They processed 434 scenes in 2025.
About the Evidence Technicians
The Chesterfield Township Police Department's evidence technicians are officers who, in addition to their regular duties, use specialized training to identify, secure, collect and process evidence at crime scenes. In 2025 the department sent Officers Rhein, Feld, Swinkowski and N. DeVlaminck to evidence technician training, bringing the total number of evidence technicians to 24.
Evidence technicians photograph scenes and collect latent prints, DNA, trace evidence, tool markings, footwear and tire impressions, and they document everything in written reports. They also prepare evidence information for court and testify about how evidence was collected and preserved.
The officers who serve as evidence technicians come from different ranks, including patrol officers, sergeants and detectives, which means a trained technician is available on every shift. In 2025 they processed 434 scenes, up from 394 in 2024. Deceased person investigations rose from 39 to 58 and malicious destruction of property scenes from 35 to 53, the two largest increases.
Domestic violence scenes were the most common type processed in both years, followed by deceased person investigations and malicious destruction of property. Careful attention to detail at these scenes directly supports the Detective Bureau's ability to investigate, solve and prosecute cases.
Responsibilities
- Respond to crime scenes to photograph, document and process physical evidence
- Collect latent prints, DNA, trace evidence, tool markings, footwear and tire impressions
- Maintain chain of custody documentation for every item collected
- Prepare evidence reports and documentation for prosecutors and courts
- Testify in court about evidence collection and processing
- Submit evidence for laboratory analysis
- Support Detective Bureau investigations with crime scene expertise
- Assist the Fatal Accident Investigation Team with scene documentation
Training
Evidence technicians complete a dedicated evidence technician school before they are certified, and continue with courses such as Digital Photography in Law Enforcement and Special Methods in Crime Scene Investigation, both of which department members attended in 2025. Four officers were added to the roster of technicians during the year.
Evidence Technicians Activity
| Scene Type | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence | 106 | 105 |
| Deceased person | 39 | 58 |
| Malicious destruction of property (MDOP) | 35 | 53 |
| Assault | 20 | 33 |
| Breaking and entering | Not in top five | 16 |
| Vulnerable child sexual abuse (VCSA) | 32 | Not in top five |
| Total scenes processed | 394 | 434 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are evidence technicians full-time crime scene staff?
No. They are patrol officers, sergeants and detectives who have completed evidence technician training and process scenes in addition to their regular duties.
What kinds of evidence do they collect?
Photographs, latent prints, DNA, trace evidence, tool markings, footwear and tire impressions, along with written documentation of the scene.
How many scenes were processed last year?
Evidence technicians processed 434 scenes in 2025, compared with 394 in 2024. Domestic violence was the most common scene type.