Crime Scene Team

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office heads a multi-jurisdictional crime scene team made up of investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and all local police departments within the county.

The Crime Scene Team can be activated to assist with the use of a crime scene vehicle to process crime scenes at any of the jurisdictions within the county when requested to assist.

The team is skilled in meticulously collecting and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes. Proper handling of evidence is crucial for ensuring that it remains intact and uncontaminated for use in investigations and court proceedings. Crime scene technicians employ scientific methods and technologies, such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and ballistics, to analyze evidence. These analyses provide objective data that can be pivotal in solving crimes and securing convictions. By reconstructing the sequence of events at a crime scene, the team helps investigators understand how a crime was committed, which can reveal important details about the perpetrator and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Members of the crime scene team often serve as expert witnesses in court, explaining their findings and the significance of the evidence. Their expertise can be crucial in helping juries understand complex forensic evidence. The Crime Scene Team often works with other law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and medical examiners. Their ability to coordinate and share information enhances the overall investigative process. Additionally, the team provides training to other law enforcement personnel on proper evidence handling and crime scene protocols, ensuring that all officers are equipped with the knowledge to protect and process crime scenes effectively. They play a vital role in re-examining old cases with new technologies and methods, potentially uncovering new evidence or insights that can lead to the resolution of previously unsolved crimes.

By thoroughly and professionally processing crime scenes, the team helps build community trust in the criminal justice system. Their meticulous work demonstrates the sheriff's office's commitment to justice and transparency. The Crime Scene Team supports detectives and investigators by providing them with the crucial physical evidence needed to identify suspects, establish motives, and build strong cases.

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Team is indispensable for ensuring that crime scenes are processed with the highest level of precision and professionalism. Their work is critical for solving crimes, securing convictions, and upholding the integrity of the criminal justice system.