Agency Assessment Information

Assessing an agency's Forensic Operation, capabilities and effectiveness is a detailed process. Many, many questions must be asked and answered by those considering developing or rebuilding forensic operations. It involves determining at what level the agency is performing and desires to perform in the future. Conducting an agency forensic assessment is the first step and is critical. Many agencies skip this step and the usual result is a program without a plan and erratic direction. By the time our mid size agency began the rebuilding process in the spring of 1995 we had established a step by step plan with short and long term goals. We were recognized for improving our excellence in DNA crime scene processing in just forty-five months. As our agency determined and was noted in two articles "Small Police Department Forensics and DNA and "Forensic Investigation, It's Not Just for Big Cities", nine (9) major areas were identified. What the articles could not address were the many sub categories of each area that had to be addressed also. The point at which some agencies fail is not taking the time to properly research and address their actual needs. Additionally, many agencies assume they must expend huge amounts of resources to create an outstanding forensic program immediately. In tough budget times the best recommendation for many agencies is to develop a step by step plan that grows gradually and stays within budget. Some agencies may not have the resources to make any improvements to their facilities. Those agencies can improve their capabilities by making necessary immediate changes through improvements in policy and procedures, security and reorganization. There is a considerable amount of things an agency can do through self help projects. Seeking assistance from members of the community to assist on short term immediate needs should not be ruled out. These agencies should create a written plan to follow until such time as resources become available in the future. Many agencies nationwide have paid a terrible price in judicial and community confidence for not addressing security, storage, inventory and disposal of drugs, guns and money. This section list the forms utilized when assessing an agency's Forensic Operation.

List of Agency Self Assessment Info:

• Questionnaire – Evidence & Property Inventory Assessment – 23 pages
• Evidence & Property Work Sheet – 23 pages
• Evidence & Property Report Guide – 5 pages
• Sample Agency Assessment Report – 10 pages