Using the Lo-Jack system, an auto recovery system training aid, two vehicles were recovered during the year. During 1998, the Forensic Section continued with its efforts to stay abreast of technological advances in the field of crime scene investigations. An Image Enhancing System was purchased which has the potential for greatly increasing the capability of identifying previously unknown suspects. Fingerprints from crime scenes which were previously considered to be of no evidentiary value can also be rendered usable. The Family Services Section purchased digital camera equipment through a Department of Justice Community Policing, Domestic Violence Grant.
Photographs are critical to the successful prosecution of family violence cases.
This technological advance in recording photographic evidence has greatly enhanced the abilities of the investigators assigned the responsibility of family violence investigations to capture images of violence as evidence, and to present these images in court. Digital cameras have reduced the need of expensive instamatic film, freeing up funds for other essential supplies. Through a partnership with Sentara Leigh Hospital, sexual assault evidence is recovered from the victim by use of a colposcope. Sexual assault nurse examiners use this instrument to photograph evidence of injuries sustained by the victim during an assault. The procedure allows the attending physician to document and present medical evidence to the court during a trial of persons arrested for sexual assault.