Evidence Technicians

The Kettering Police Department is proud of its evidence collection capabilities and forensic science program. As proven in nationally-recognized cases, evidence collection, preservation and analysis is vital to successful criminal prosecution.  The police department invested in several state-of-the-art equipment items including a forensic drying cabinet, down draft fingerprinting hood and alternate light sources. These items have not only increased the effectiveness of the unit, but eased the workload on personnel. 

The department increased the number of trained evidence technicians to 22. Most detectives are now evidence technicians aiding greatly in the evidence documentation at crime scenes.

All evidence crews receive an initial 120 hours of training by the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory. Annual eight hour refresher training is provided to each member, as well as specialty training for those personnel who want specialized skills in unique areas. The training has ranged from special videotaping skills to development of fingerprints on human skin.

In 2002, over 500 cases were submitted to the crime lab for evaluation with in excess of 1800 individual pieces of evidence submitted. Of the items submitted, well over half were submitted for fingerprint development and evaluation. Of those submitted for fingerprint identification, 60% were found to have value with over 20 hits developed in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

The evidence program continues to develop with the institution of new crime scene protocols and enhanced relationships with crime lab personnel.