Investigations & Evidence Collection and Processing

This week the participants learned how investigators follow up on reports of crimes; identify suspects and witnesses; recover missing property; and work with the prosecutor  to successfully prosecute criminal offender.  Various other functions and responsibilities of the investigator were also discussed.  Crime Prevention Officer Jeff Hemesath gave the class an overview of investigations and the challenges the detectives face.

This week the students also learned how evidence is collected and processed. There was some "hands on" practical work so that the participants could get a feel for how the work is actually performed.  Sergeant Jennifer Weber gave a great presentation about the role of an Evidence Technician (ET). Afterwards, the class members had an opportunity to play ET as they located and lifted fingerprints off of everyday objects.