Crime Scene Investigation

The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit serves as the forensic heart of the Farmington Police Department. While detectives focus on interviews and leads, our CSI personnel focus on the "silent witnesses" of a crime: the physical evidence. By combining meticulous field collection with specialized processing techniques, this unit provides the objective, scientific data necessary to identify suspects and solve complex cases.

The Forensic Link

The CSI Unit serves as the vital bridge between the crime scene and the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory. Our investigators are experts in the highly regulated standards required to document and collect evidence so that it remains admissible and viable for high-level state analysis. Their role is to ensure that the integrity of every sample is maintained from the moment it is discovered until it is presented in a court of law.

Field & Evidence Capabilities

Our CSI technicians are forensic responders who operate in a variety of environments to ensure no piece of evidence is overlooked. Their primary mission is the documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence with the highest level of integrity.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Crime Scene Documentation: Utilizing high-resolution photography, 3D scanning, and detailed sketching to create a permanent, digital record of a scene.
• Evidence Collection: Identifying and safely recovering physical items, including ballistic evidence, trace fibers, and biological fluids.
• Latent Print Processing: Utilizing powders, chemicals, and specialized light sources to reveal and "lift" fingerprints from various surfaces.
• Property & Evidence Management: Maintaining a strict "Chain of Custody" for every item seized, ensuring that all evidence is tracked, stored securely, and prepared for transport to the State Lab.
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Science in the Service of Justice

The CSI Unit does not "take sides"; they follow the evidence wherever it leads. By maintaining professional certifications and staying current with the latest forensic techniques, our team ensures that the City of Farmington has access to high-level scientific investigation. Their work provides the critical link between a crime scene and a courtroom conviction.