The Crime Scene Section (CSS) is responsible for processing crime scene evidence to include identification, collection, preservation, photographing, sketching, storage and transportation of evidence into the laboratory facilities. Bloodstain pattern analysis, facial composite generation and bullet trajectory determination are also available. Along with processing of crime scenes, the technicians work closely with criminal investigators, providing technical assistance thereby allowing investigators the opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation. The technicians are available to Maryland’s law enforcement community twenty-four hours a day. The CSS also provides assistance to neighboring states upon request.

The majority of the evidence examined by the FSD is transported by Crime Scene Technicians (CST). They not only transport evidence for the majority of State Police installations, but also for many of the local police and sheriffs’ departments. CSTs also transport CDS for analysis to the Pikesville Laboratory and the two satellite laboratories located in Hagerstown and Berlin.

Their technical abilities and expertise are often utilized for activities other than criminal investigations. The CSTs provide instruction at the Maryland State Police Academy, Natural Resources Police Academy, various in-service school programs, and provide lectures during training and seminars hosted by allied police departments.

In addition to these duties, CSTs are responsible for the conduct and training of Crime Scene Search Teams (CSST) around the State. These teams are comprised of volunteers who respond to crime scenes and conduct thorough searches of large areas or smaller scale grid searches to recover possible evidence. There are two operational CSSTs managed by crime scene personnel. The Central Maryland Crime Scene Search Team is based in Frederick and the Northern Search Team is located in North East.

CSS Geographical Areas of Responsibility