The Crime Scene Section is a unit in the Criminal Investigations Division. The Primary function of the section is the identification, collection, and analysis of physical evidence. In many instances, the arrest and successful prosecution of a case is dependent upon the physical evidence gathered by Crime Scene investigators.

Crime Scene investigators are specially trained in latent fingerprint comparison, photography and handling of physical evidence. They use a variety of leading edge technology to perform their tasks. AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is used in the comparison of latent fingerprints. A multi-spectrum CrimeScope light is used to detect blood and other trace evidence that would otherwise be invisible to the human eye. Chemical development of latent fingerprints is often used to identify and recover fingerprints from certain surfaces such as paper and plastic. Increasingly, DNA collection is also being utilized in identifying suspects in major offenses.

The Crime Scene section utilizes digital photography and videography to document crime scenes. These digital images are downloaded on a secure server so that investigators can review photographs while at their workstations rather than waiting for photos to be developed. Crime Scene investigators also use these photos to assist them in preparing diagrams of crime scenes.

The Crime Scene section is also responsible for the identification of every person arrested and booked into the Mesquite jail. Each person’s fingerprints are electronically captured and then either sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety or stored on a dedicated computer for Class C offenses. Crime Scene personnel then verify each arrested person’s true identity.

Crime Scene personnel also provide training courses for officers as well as participate in special projects that utilize their skills in photography and videography.