Education for First Responders and Crime Scene Technicians

Education and training are essential for properly leveraging all resources available to agencies and laboratories. Historically, forensic science education was geared to or reserved for crime scene personnel and detectives. However, they are rarely first on the scene. It is critical that first responders and patrol officers receive basic education on forensic laboratory capabilities, limitations and best practices.⁹

First responders and patrol officers are responsible for saving lives, as well as officer safety and other primary duties when responding to a crime scene. The quick response actions of first responders are often in stark contrast to the slow and meticulous process of documenting the scene and collecting evidence. Providing these units with an understanding of what happens to evidence once it reaches the laboratory will assist them in making decisions in the field that affect evidence collection and prioritization.

⁹ Technical Working Group On Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law Enforcement, National Institute of Justice Publication (2000) PDF download: 308kB

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