The Crime Scene Unit is the forensic field response team that operates as the crime scene investigative function under the I-MCFSA. The unit consists of 15 Crime Scene Specialists, two (2) Technical Team Leaders and one (1) CSU Supervisor. The CSU works in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to investigate major crimes against persons which include, but are not limited to homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and sex crimes. The major function of the CSU is to conduct a thorough investigation of the crime scene in order to identify, protect and collect all evidence at the crime scene which may be related through forensic analysis to a victim or suspect in order to aid in bringing the criminal investigation to a conclusion or providing investigative leads which may steer the investigation in the right direction. Eventually, the investigation may conclude with a trial in the courtroom with the Crime Scene Specialist as an expert witness. The Crime Scene Specialist maintains an impartial and neutral approach to the evidence collection process and crime scene investigation, regardless of the final outcome of the investigation.
The Crime Scene Specialist uses the following skills at a crime scene: videography, photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, diagrams, measurements, computerized scene diagrams, latent print processing, shoe and tire impression collection, swabbing for potential DNA, physical evidence recovery, etc. Proper evidence collection, documentation, preservation, packaging and analysis are an integral part in the functioning of the crime lab. If the crime scene evidence is not collected and documented properly then the forensic scientist can not analyze the evidence correctly which may lead to the inability of a forensic scientist conducting an examination which could lead to unsuccessful prosecution of cases.