Crime Scene Investigation

The Crime Scene Division of the White Settlement Police Department collects physical evidence in the field as well as performing initial evidence testing in our crime lab facility. Further analysis, when necessary, is performed by regional forensic labs, such as the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, Integrated Forensic Laboratories, or the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory.

Popular Culture

Crime scene investigation techniques have been popularized by the CBS television show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” The book, “The Forensic Science of C.S.I.” by Katherine Ramsland, examines the reality of these procedures depicted in this show.

Crime Scene Search

A crime scene search can be described as a planned, coordinated and legal search by law enforcement officials to locate physical evidence. The successful investigation and prosecution of crimes requires, in most cases, the collection, preservation and forensic analysis of evidence, which can be crucial to demonstrations of guilt or innocence.

Collecting Evidence

The White Settlement Police Department has a civilian investigator and other police officers who are specially trained, equipped and assigned to collect physical evidence at the scene of a crime. This includes:

• Collecting, preserving, and transmitting physical evidence, including biological materials
• Comparing latent fingerprints and palm prints
• Photographing crime scenes
• Preparing crime scene sketches
• Recovery of latent prints
• Recovery of tool and tire impressions