Forensic Identification Unit

The Forensic Identification Unit - consisting of one Sergeant and three Constables - attends all major crime scenes to record, gather and process any physical evidence. This includes hair, fibre, blood, fingerprints, footwear, tire impressions and any other articles. These specialists are responsible for reporting to investigators, processing evidence and testifying in court. They forward all evidence requiring chemical, DNA or firearm examination to the forensic laboratories. They are highly skilled in photography, collecting fingerprints, physical matching and bloodstain analysis.

Forensic Identification Specialists attend the Canadian Police College in Ottawa for basic FIS training and attend other police facilities for advanced training.

General duties at a Crime Scene include:footprint

  • Photography and video
  • Examination for fingerprints and footwear impressions
  • Examination for tire impressions and trace evidence
  • Death Scene investigations - Determination of cause of death
  • Fire scene investigations
  • Physical matching of evidence
  • DNA collection and processing
  • Motor Vehicle Accident investigations
  • Sexual Assault investigations
  • Break and Enter investigations
  • Digital imaging and enhancements
  • Photo line-up processing
  • Plan drawings and graphic arts
  • Exhibit processing and storage

Members of the Forensic Identification Unit work closely with the Forensic Laboratories (RCMP and Independent), the Medical Examiner’s Office of Nova Scotia, and the Office of the Fire Marshall for Nova Scotia, along with several other professional agencies.