The HCSO Forensics Unit is responsible for collecting, preserving, and analyzing scientific evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations. The unit has been working out of our Main Office since the HCSO moved into the building in 1990.
In 1990, there were approximately 4-5 employees assigned to the unit, whose primary role was evidence collection and basic evidence processing, and would regularly have to rely on other agencies for assistance. Since then, then unit has expanded greatly – It is now divided into Biometrics, Forensics, and Multi-Media, and has a total of 13 employees assigned to the unit. However, as the unit expanded over the years and gained new forensic technologies, their spatial needs also grew significantly.
While FDLE and other outside sources are typically used for forensic analysis, our Forensics technicians now have access to better technology and training than they did in 1990, and due to this, are able to process more items in-house. The HCSO Forensics Unit has the capabilities to process all latent prints (fingerprints), swabbing for DNA, and test firing various firearms. The casings and some firearms will still be sent to FDLE for analysis, as well as swabs for DNA. There are also some rare circumstances in which a private lab is needed for DNA processing.
Being able to process and analyze evidence can cut months off of the time it takes to solve a case. The turnaround time for results when working within our agency are 12-48 hours, whereas sending items out for testing can take up to 2-3 months to receive results.
However, the technology and machinery needed for these processes can be large and complex. Having the proper work space is essential for our Forensics Unit to work to their full capabilities and ensures they have room to grow as new advancements in technologies arise.