Mission:
The mission of the Savannah Police Department’s Forensic Unit is to investigate criminal activity by documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence. Forensic Investigators work closely with the Homicide Unit, Major Crimes Unit (Aggravated Assault & Robbery), Special Victim’s Unit, Family Violence Unit, and the Property Crimes Unit.
Investigators use numerous methods to accomplish this mission, to include, but not limited to advanced photographic procedures, latent fingerprint development, computerized matching systems, chemical evidence development methods, and evidence-specific preservation methods.
Our Unit:
The Savannah Police Department’s Forensic Unit currently consists of seven sworn officers, eight civilian technicians and one records technician. Both sworn and civilian Forensic Investigators are required to attend the following specialized Forensics classes in order to obtain their Georgia Crime Scene Investigator Certification:
- Evidence Presentation
- Basic Photography & Digital Imaging
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Latent Print Development
- Fingerprint Classification
- Friction Ridge Comparison
- Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
These classes are completed at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia.
Additionally, Investigators can specialize in different fields within the unit, to include NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network), Latent Print Examinations, and Cybercrimes phone extractions. These specialties require additional training beyond what is required.
The Forensics Unit is commanded by: Sgt. Steven Kohles and Sgt. Elizabeth Harrell
T: 912-651-6700
