Crime Scene Investigation
Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) are a vital part of
the Sheriff’s Office. They are a team of science-
minded deputies who endeavor to find the truth
in the form of physical evidence. In the
courtroom, evidence is the standard on which
society measures belief. It both proves and
disproves investigative theories. In many
circumstances it is the foundation on which a
case is developed.
CSI is comprised of 14 sworn patrol Deputies and
a Sergeant who oversees them. The team is led
by one designee who coordinates training,
equipment and events. This unit is tasked with
the responsibility of preserving, collecting and
processing vital evidence for the most high
profile cases in this county. This unit is on call to
respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year in all types of inclement weather and to some of the most inhospitable
environments. CSI is there, seeking the truth in
the interest of justice.
CSI team members are selected among already
serving deputies as a collateral assignment and
typically work as CSI during their off hours. The
benefit of this is that CSI trained deputies are able
to utilize their expertise, not only on CSI assigned
cases, but in the field. They are regularly
providing first class investigation practices to
many lower profile cases within the county.
Additionally, many CSI members are also Field
Training Officers who train new deputies on
advanced evidence collection and processing
techniques.
This year, deputies responded to over 50 formal crime scenes. Typical scenes include homicides, suspicious deaths, robberies and other violent crimes. CSI is tasked with the most sensitive cases and treat that responsibility with the utmost care. Every case is important and Crime Scene Investigators have made a commitment to the community to care for our victims and witnesses and enforce crimes with the highest level of precision.
In late May, the El Dorado County Cold Case Task Force with the assistance of the Chico University Anthropologist performed an exhumation for a female subject. The female was buried at a cemetery in 1979 as a Jane Doe homicide victim.
After the El Dorado County Cold Case Task Force
conducted an investigation they were able to learn through DNA the identity of Jane Doe and learned she was from the east coast. After being recovered she was returned to her family to be buried with other deceased family members at their request.
The Cold Case Task force is a collaboration of El Dorado County Sheriff Detectives, South Lake Tahoe Police Detectives and El Dorado County Deputy District Attorney Investigators. The task force works together in attempting to solve numerous unsolved cold case homicides throughout El Dorado County.
Overall this year, our unit saw a decrease in the
seven major crimes within our county. Although
Homicide saw a slight increase, El Dorado County
is fortunate in that any murders experienced
within our community are typically isolated
incidents or "heat of the moment" crimes.
The investigations unit prides itself on their
service to the public and their commitment to
creating a safer and better quality of life for the
community.
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