Selection and assessment of crime scene investigators
The dominant thinking in forensic science at the moment seems to be focused on laboratory analysis and the presentation of evidence in court, ignoring crime scene investigators and examiners, who play a leading role in determining how material traces are used. However, selecting individuals for these positions and recognizing their abilities often determines how crime scenes are treated. This article is based on semi-structured interviews that were used to identify the skills police managers in Quebec expect crime scene examiners to have and to determine how these skills are related to the managers’ understanding of their profession. Our results highlight the absence of scientific evaluators in the assessment of the skills of crime scene investigators and the special attention paid by police managers to conformity with procedures. It would be useful if high ranking decision makers in the police had a better appreciation of crime scene investigation as a scientific endeavour and a better understanding of the roles crime scene investigators play in proactive policing in order to optimize their selection, appreciation and, possibly, effectiveness.