Crime Scene Investigation Insights

Summary

Jesa Weise, a crime scene investigator at the Colorado Springs Police Department's Metro forensic crime lab, discussed her role, daily activities, and professional background.
She highlighted the various skills and methods used in crime scene investigations, including fingerprinting and evidence processing.
Jesa also shared insights on the importance of documentation, testimony, and ongoing professional development, offering advice for criminal justice students.

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Jesa Weise is a crime scene investigator with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
She works for the Colorado Springs Police Department's Metro forensic crime lab, with responsibilities that include both lab and field work.
The work schedule includes a 40-hour week and on-call shifts (one day per week and one weekend per month, typically for 24 hours).

Investigators work closely with detectives, starting with a briefing and walk-through at each scene.
Documentation is performed immediately upon arrival, including thorough photographs for court presentation.
Evidence processing includes tasks such as bullet trajectory analysis, blood stain pattern analysis, footwear comparison, and fingerprinting on site.
A systematic search is conducted to locate additional evidence before collecting and transporting materials to the lab.

At the lab, further analysis is performed, including additional fingerprinting and biological swabbing.
Items are packaged and submitted to the evidence unit.
Investigators select methods for fingerprint development, such as cyanoacrylate fuming (for non-porous items like guns), ninhydrin (for porous items like paper), and powder.
Cyanoacrylate fuming allows multiple attempts at lifting fingerprints, unlike powder which is single-use.

Comprehensive report writing is required to document each investigative step, serving both legal and internal recall purposes.
Investigators frequently attend court to testify as expert witnesses on their findings and procedures.

Jesa emphasized the rewarding nature of the job and its impact on solving crimes and supporting justice.
She credited her degree and networking during her studies for helping her enter the field through internships and job opportunities.
Her advice to criminal justice students is to remain dedicated, work hard, and not be discouraged—stating that persistence leads to achieving career goals.

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