Training and accountability in underwater crime scene investigations
Mack S House
Jr Crime Scene Investigator Diver Technologist International, USA
: Forensic Toxicol Pharmacol 2015, 4:4
Abstract
The increase diver involvement in conducting underwater investigations has led to an increase in diver mortality. Inadequate training in Safe Diving protocols and operations has been one of the contributing factors regarding this concern. As an investigative team, poor training in Human Anatomy and Physiology have been not only compromised diver safety, it is responsible for critical evidence being missed or not considered. The preservation of evidence and chain of custody have also been neglected. In addition to these important facts, biological hazards have become a serious medical concern for the diver as well. Lack of training in this area compromises the safety of the diver, dive team, land based csi personnel, first responders and law enforcement officers. The growing demand for education and accountability in this unique branch of forensics has led to an increased need for certified divers in the field with extensive knowledge of Crime Scene Investigation protocols utilized by land based investigative teams. The implementation of land based protocols and procedures must be adapted for the underwater environment by substituting various methods and equipment as to provide for the best investigative procedure as humanly possible. The term “Technologist†is more definitive in that the Technologist specializes in the application of specialized diving procedures and safe diving practices as well as specific scientific knowledge and understanding. Solving both theoretical and practical problems associated with crime scene investigations and forensic science.
Biography
csidt1@gmail.com
