Crime Scene Investigations is a vital part of the Detective Division. The St. Joseph Police Department’s crime scene investigators are responsible for the collection of physical evidence through photography, physical crime scene search, recovery of latent fingerprints and any other form of physical evidence. The types of evidence could include impressions, forensic biology, trace evidence, firearms evidence, and questionable documents.

Not only does the Crime Scene Unit handle the needs within the City of St.Joseph, the unit is a member of the Initial Response Team of the Northwest Missouri Major Case Squad. At the request of the Missouri State Highway Patrol-Troop H, the unit responds to other law enforcement agencies to assist and process scene of major case death investigations.

The Crime Scene Investigators are a highly motivated group of individuals who, using their knowledge, skills and abilities recover visible and invisible evidence using the latest technology available. The C.S.I.s continuously strives to familiarize themselves with innovative scientific and technological developments in all aspects of forensic science and crime scene investigation.

Members of the unit are under the direction of a detective sergeant and a group of detectives who have received specialized training. They are on a rotating schedule for call-outs to provide 24 hour service.