Several forensic services help police gather, analyse and document evidence to put before the courts.
Fingerprints - Fingerprint Sections in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch identify latent fingerprints and examine crime scenes and exhibits for fingerprints.
The National Fingerprint Section in Wellington maintains the national fingerprint database, both physically in the storage of more than 430,000 original sets of fingerprints, and on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System database.
Document Examination - Based in Wellington, the Document Examination Section provides forensic investigation for police and private clients of documents associated with crime and other matters.
Armoury - The Police Armoury performs forensic examinations of firearms used in crimes, sudden deaths and accidents. All police issue firearms are repaired and maintained there, and staff give technical advice to Police Arms Officers on whether various makes and models comply with the Arms Act 1983.
Photography - Around 40 photographers work in police stations around the country. Using cameras or video, they record any evidence that may help a criminal inquiry or a later prosecution. Their work includes documenting homicides, sexual assaults, robbery, arson, burglary, drug scenes, car crashes and suspicious deaths.
Technical Support Unit - The TSU provides technical assistance to serious crime investigations.
Scene of Crime Officers - SOCOs lift fingerprints from crime scenes. They are also experts in assessing potential forensic items such as blood stained clothing or weapons, and lifting, preserving and packaging evidence.
Electronic Crime Laboratory - The ECL recovers evidence from electronic equipment used in the commission of crimes. The Lab also provides forensic audio services.
Environmental Science and Research Ltd - ESR is contracted to provide Police with a one-stop forensic service. This includes managing a databank of DNA samples, and analysing illicit drugs, body fluids, physical evidence from crime scenes, and blood taken from drunk drivers. ESR also services and calibrates Police breath testing equipment.
