Denver Police Chief Robert White plans to replace 15 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers in Denver’s new crime lab with civilians within a year. The Denver Crime Lab handles thousands of cases a year. Collectively, the officers at the Denver Crime Lab now have more than 240 years of police experience, as well as years of specialized training.
Despite reassurances from Chief White that it will be a good move for the Denver Crime Lab, he is not without some heavy opposition.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey calls the move “reckless.” Retired Denver Detective Robert Fry, who spent 13 years of his 37 year career with Denver in the Denver Crime Lab says, “I can tell you right now, come to a crime scene unit as a new person and to start receiving your training and to start doing what you’re doing a year isn’t enough to feel comfortable out there.”
A move like this is likely to have some impact on evidence being processed through the Denver Crime Lab once the change takes place. And if it is successful, expect other counties to be making similar moves in an effort to cut costs.
If you’re charged with a crime, you need attorneys who are familiar with proper evidence collection and processing procedures. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Source: 9news.com, March 18, 2013, Anastasiya Bolton.