EVIDENCE UNIT ACTIVITIES: Aside from crime scene investigations, Evidence Unit members organize presentations for schools and groups throughout San Antonio. Members frequently use the Internet to develop their skills and introduce new techniques to the Unit. Evidence Unit personnel have developed training programs for the Unit, the Department and other agencies.

TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING: Personnel assigned to the Evidence Unit are constantly working to keep up with rapid advancements in scientific methods of evidence detection and processing of evidence. This requires continuous training for personnel of the Evidence Unit to remain current. New Evidence Detectives are required to successfully complete a comprehensive eighty-hour formal training program. Evidence technicians (non-sworn) must complete a 320-hour training program. Forensic light source, laser technology, and the Coleman vacuum chamber are some of the most recent and exciting breakthroughs in forensic science currently used by the Unit.

The Evidence Unit is located at 515 South Frio in a new facility that includes a state of the art crime laboratory.

Civilianization of the Evidence Unit began September 20, 1997, with the hiring of seven "Evidence Technicians". The Unit has created 24 civilian positions since September 1997. Newly-hired civilian personnel receive 320 hours of training, certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). Upon completion of the course, the Evidence Technicians experience one month of riding with an Evidence Unit Detective or an Evidence Technician. The non-sworn members have brought to the Unit a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience, along with a fresh approach to crime scene investigation. The cooperation between Detectives and Evidence Technicians has produced an excellent working environment along with a higher quality work product.