Crime Laboratory

(619) 691-5249

The Chula Vista Police Department Crime Laboratory is made up of three distinct entities: Forensic Unit, Evidence Control Unit and Business Office.

Forensic Unit
The Forensic Unit consists of two sections: Forensic Specialist (C.S.I.) and Latent Print Examiner.

Evidence Technician's work with police investigators at major crime scenes. They are trained in the forensic sciences and are responsible for locating, documenting and collecting physical evidence at crime scenes. Evidence Technicians also process evidence submitted to the crime lab for various forensic examinations including fingerprints, high detail photography, and follow-up trace evidence searches.

Latent print examiners use the latest technology, including computers and microscopes, to examine finger, palm and other prints lifted from crime scenes or the evidence collected at crime scenes. Prints identified by Latent Print Examiners often lead to the arrest and conviction of criminals.

Evidence Control Unit
The Evidence Control Unit is responsible for receiving, storing and legally disposing of thousands of items, property and evidence, that is impounded each year by Chula Vista Police Officers, Evidence Technicians and Community Service Officers. A wide array of items are eceived by the Evidence Control Assistants, ranging from assault rifles to skateboards and everything in between.

Crime Laboratory Business Unit
Crime Laboratory Business Unit personnel perform a variety of clerical duties that support the specialized operations of the Crime Laboratory Forensic and Evidence Control Units. These duties include; clerical and secretarial assignments; information request processing for outside law enforcement agencies; typing crime lab related correspondence; and filing and computer data entry. High on the list of responsibilities for the crime lab office personnel is maintaining good customer relations.