There are eleven Crime Scene Investigators and two Crime Scene Supervisors assigned to the Crime Lab. Investigators are responsible for investigating crimes such as homicides, suicides, dead bodies, robberies, rapes, drive-by shootings, assaults, burglaries, auto thefts and any other crime where a specialized skill is needed. Other responsibilities may include attending autopsies. Special equipment and techniques are used by the Crime Scene Investigators.
After the investigators complete their investigation at the scene, they return to the laboratory to process any evidence they have collected and type reports. Every hour on the scene generates an hour of paperwork in the lab.
The Crime Scene Investigators document the scene by first photographing, (general to specific, outside to in). Then they diagram and measure the scene and evidence. Next, they collect any and all evidence pertaining to the case. The investigators may spend a short time or several days to completely document and process the scene. The Crime Scene Investigators investigate between 1,800 to 2,100 cases a year.
Latent Print Section
Fingerprints are a chance impression of the ridges found on the hands that can be transferred to a surface. A latent print is 99% water and 1% amino acids and other compounds. Fingerprints can be found on non-porous surfaces such as glass and on porous surfaces such as wood. These impressions usually need some type of enhancement to be visible. There are numerous chemical means to develop fingerprints. Just because a person touches a surface does not mean he/she will leave their fingerprint behind. There are several reasons for this. First of all, the finger may not have enough transfer medium (perspiration) to leave an outline of the ridges on a surface. Secondly, the receiving surface may not be conducive to receive a print (a smooth, clean window versus a dirty, rusty wrench). And lastly, the environment will affect a latent print. Fingerprints are very fragile so wind, rain and heat can destroy them easily and quickly.
The Crime Lab has two Latent Print Examiners. Their responsibilities include processing evidence for latent prints as well as the examination of latent prints to determine their value for comparison. They compare latent prints to the known prints of named individuals for identification or exclusion. They enter unidentified latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and/or the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Approximately 3,000 latent prints per year are handled by the Latent Print Section.
Photography Section
The Crime Lab has one Photographer and one Photo Technician. They are responsible for processing and storing all of the photographs taken by the Wichita Police Department as well as the printing/preparation of photographs for court proceedings. In February 2010, the Wichita Police Department converted to digital photography. The Photo Section currently processes images for over 1,300 cases per month. Prior to that, the Photography Section developed over 6,000 rolls of film and printed over 30,000 photos per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
CSI is the acronym used for Crime Scene Investigator. The Wichita Police Department employs 11 CSI's and 2 CSI Supervisors in the Technical Services Bureau. Generally speaking, they provide specialized crime scene investigation services through documentation, evidence processing and collection.
The CSI's on the Wichita Police Department are responsible for the thorough documentation of crime scenes in the form of reports, diagrams and photographs. They collect and process evidence for latent prints, trace evidence, DNA and blood splatter. They assist the Sedgwick County Coroner's Office when needed to document evidence at postmortem examinations. They are responsible for maintaining proper documentation of the chain of custody of evidence for later presentation in court. CSI's are responsible for accurate report writing, courtroom testimony and for keeping updated on the latest trends in the field of crime scene investigation.
CSI's on the Wichita Police Department for 2008 currently have a pay range from $17.41 to $24.61 per hour. In addition to that there is shift differential for working nights. The benefits include paid vacation, sick time and available health insurance with the employee paying 20% of the premium and the City of Wichita paying 80%. Dental coverage and life insurance are also available. CSI's are represented by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Wichita Police Department CSI's are civilian employees who serve in a support role to the commissioned police officers and detectives. They do not carry firearms or have any powers of arrest.
The Wichita Police Department requires a 4-year college degree in Administration of Justice or closely related field. Additionally, related work experience is preferred. You must pass a physical examination, drug screening and background check. A WPD CSI will have a valid Kansas driver's license, a willingness to do shift work, the ability to carry bulky or heavy items up to 40 pounds, be able to distinguish colors and have a good oral and written communication skills.
In addition to your formal education prior to be hired, CSI's receive on the job training from experienced CSI's and CSI Supervisors. Application can also be made for external specialized training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Selections for those training classes are made by and funded by the FBI.
The first step is to apply for employment with the City of Wichita. You can apply online at Human Resources or in person in the Human Resources office in City Hall at 455 N Main, Wichita, Kansas on the 2nd floor.
Human Resources
