Odisha police to appoint first dedicated crime scene officers to enhance evidence collection

Bhubaneswar: Odisha police is set to appoint the first batch of dedicated crime scene officers in police stations across the state by March. The initiative, announced last April, marks the first time every police station will have specialised personnel trained to assist in scientific evidence collection.As per the plan, at least one or two crime scene officers will be deployed at every police station. Their primary role will be to support investigating officers in gathering forensic evidence swiftly and scientifically.To prepare them for the specialised task, a six-week training programme was rolled out on Wednesday for the first batch of around 72 officers, comprising constables and home guards with science backgrounds.“These officers will act as the first responders at crime scenes. Before forensic teams arrive, they will secure the site, prevent tampering, and begin collecting initial evidence. Training modules cover procedures for guarding crime scenes, preserving biological, digital and physical materials, and ensuring proper storage protocols,” DGP Y B Khurania said.Currently, evidence collection is facilitated by regular police officers, who often juggle multiple assignments. In serious cases, they rely on forensic experts, leading to delays and risks of compromised evidence. A shortage of scientific officers at the state and district forensic laboratories further slows investigation. The new crime scene officers are expected to bridge the gap, reducing errors and ensuring timely evidence preservation.“Forensic and scientific investigation hold the key in the new criminal laws. To ensure that case trials end in convictions, we need trained evidence collectors,” the DGP said.The officers will send collected samples to forensic laboratories and act as intermediaries between investigators and forensic experts. Equipped with modern tools and digital equipment, they will document crime scenes thoroughly and maintain the chain of custody.A senior police officer said, “These specialised crime scene officers will be professionally trained in photography, fingerprint collection, DNA preservation, blood pattern analysis, and trace evidence handling. Their expertise will reinforce the criminal justice system by minimising contamination risks and ensuring evidence reaches labs in optimal condition.”Another officer added, “It will be like having a mini-forensic unit in every police station. These officers will understand both the scientific and legal aspects of evidence handling, which will help build stronger cases against suspects.”