CRIME SCENE UNIT ACTIVITIES: Aside from crime scene investigations, Crime Scene Unit members organize presentations for schools and groups throughout San Antonio. Members are required to continually research and learn new technologies develop their skills and introduce new techniques to the Unit. Crime Scene Unit personnel have developed training programs for the Unit, the Department and other agencies.

TECHNOLOGY & TRAINING: Personnel assigned to the Crime Scene 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 Crime Scene Unit to remain current. New Evidence Detectives are required to successfully complete a comprehensive eighty-hour formal training program. Crime Scene Investigators (non-sworn) must complete a 320-hour training program. Forensic light source, Leica 3D Scanner technology, and the Panoscan Mark III Digital Imaging Camera are some of the most recent and exciting breakthroughs in forensic science currently used by the Unit.

The Crime Scene Unit Laboratory is located at 515 South Frio.

Civilianization of the Crime Scene Unit began September 20, 1997, with the hiring of seven "Crime Scene Investigators". The Unit has created 42 civilian positions since September 1997, and newly-hired civilian personnel are required to have a Bachelors degree or eight years of related professional experience. Additionally, new hires are required to complete a 320 hour course certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). Upon completion of the course, the Crime Scene Investigators experience one month of riding with an Crime Scene Unit Detective or a Crime Scene Investigator. 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 Crime Scene Investigators has produced an excellent working environment along with a higher quality work product.