The Forensic Services Unit (FSU) works in the area of forensic science.  FSU applies scientific principles and modern technology to law enforcement.  This science and technology aids the Niagara Regional Police Service in gathering evidence and clues, identifying criminal perpetrators, and cataloging their arrests. 

What is Forensic Science?

The term 'forensic' comes from the Latin word meaning a forum in which legal disputes are settled.  While the term originally referred to legal forums of the Roman Empire, the modern equivalent are today's courts.  Forensic Science is therefore the use of various scientific methodologies, techniques, and technologies that are used to solve criminal court cases.

What Services Does the Forensic Services Unit Provide?

The Forensic Services Unit provides a number of services, which start at a crime scene and continue through the judicial process.  These services include gathering evidence, cataloging it, using it to determine who committed the crime, and then assisting in acquiring a conviction.  FSU does this by following proven methodologies, and using the latest technologies available to them.

FSU identifies perpetrators through analysis of trace evidence. Trace evidence is any substance deposited at a crime scene, which can be transferred from one surface or item to another by contact. This may include fingerprints, palm prints, footwear impressions, hair, blood, saliva, semen, fibers, soil, tool and tire marks, and so forth.  Once this is gathered, members of the unit follow evidence through the course of analysis.

Depending on the evidence involved, FSU members will gather and analyze various materials in numerous ways.  This includes crime scene photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, attending post mortems, examining vehicles, and creating scale diagrams and composite drawings.  In their work, members of FSU will use tools like AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and NICHE (the digital Mugshot system) to determine the identity of the perpetrator, and may also create reenactments of the crime through still photography and/or video.

FSU provides specialized and expert services to the Niagara Regional Police Service, providing consultation and assistance to police officers in obtaining search warrants and transporting exhibits.  Rather than limiting themselves to local resources, FSU utilizes resources that are available through other law enforcement agencies as well.  Members have a close working relationship with organizations like the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS).  This sharing of services provides FSU with the ability to utilize Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (Indented Writing Detection), Alternate Light Sources (ALS), and Mobile Crime Unit services.  It also allows them to benefit from a variety of services, including computer enhancement, body examination, serial number restoration, AutoCad/Video Animation/Reconstruction services.