These days, crime scene officers are capable of doing more forensic work right at the scene. For example, an officer can use Hexagon OBTI to check if a blood sample is human or animal. A positive test for human blood provides immediate information that the officer can use while continuing to process the scene. Officers can also spray Bluestar solution on surfaces to look for blood that a suspect may have tried to clean up. The Bluestar fluoresces if it comes in contact with blood; if you get a flash, you can then photograph it as evidence.

As technology advances, crime scene officers must advance their knowledge and training. Some key areas to focus on include bullet trajectory, blood spatter, and the proper way to collect sensitive evidence such as computers and drugs. Without the right training, valuable evidence can be lost or damaged, and a case can be jeopardized. Remember, the more you can do in the field, the more the scientists in the lab can do to verify your work. And in the end, all that hard work will result in a strong case for the prosecution.

From: The Role of the Forensic Crime Scene Officer by Dick Warrington