Forensic Identification

The Saskatoon Police Service Forensic Identification Section is mandated to capture and preserve evidence required for a criminal investigation. Such evidence may include fingerprints, photographs, scene diagrams and measurements and any exhibit item that may provide DNA from blood, hair or buccal (saliva) samples.

Evidence is tested in a variety of ways including UV light sources, cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming chambers, specific computer programs and a variety of other chemical and powder processes.

Exhibits requiring more detailed examination – such as DNA extraction – are forwarded for specific testing to one of the many Forensic Crime Labs throughout Canada.  This kind of work is frequently seen on any of the popular CSI type shows. DNA testing is done at provincial labs. Firearms analysis and gun shot residue testing, toxicology and biological tests are also done at these labs.

Trained Identification members are also responsible for photographing injury victims, fingerprinting and photographing arrested persons pursuant to the ‘Identification of Criminals Act’, taking court-ordered DNA samples, verifying the identities of persons of interest, attending autopsies and testifying in court.

In 2006, there were 8,000 persons fingerprinted for criminal matters, security checks or immigration purposes and members investigated a total of 2,650 files.

The Polygraph Unit

The Polygraph Unit is responsible for conducting forensic polygraph examinations (criminal), pre-employment examinations and assisting members in the area of interviewing. Currently we have one member assigned to the unit. The training to become a polygraphist is extensive and only offered at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.  The Polygraph course is the longest course offered at CPC lasting 3 months.  Our polygraphist will conduct about 150 tests in a year, and it breaks down to about 60% Pre-Employments and 40% Forensic Tests. As well the polygraphist is tasked with teaching interview techniques at the Saskatchewan Police College and internally within our service. A forensic test takes about 2-3 hours and a not well known fact is that most people willing to take a polygraph pass the test. All sworn members are tested prior to being hired and a Pre-Employment test lasts 3-5 hours.

Technological Crime Unit

Computers can be used to commit a crime, or have crime related evidence stored somewhere on the computer's hard drive.

Computer forensics involves the examination of computer hard drives,
and other storage media, for evidence related to illegal activities by computer users.

Computer forensics uses defined procedures to thoroughly examine a computer system using software and tools to extract and preserve evidence of criminal activity. Proper computer forensic procedures allow an examiner to not only acquire the data, but also to be able to reliably report on the findings. An examiner will be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the data was accurately acquired from a particular computer.

The primary duty of the Technological Crime Unit is performing Forensic Computer Analysis on computers seized by all sections of the Service. The Unit is staffed by one Sergeant.

On average it takes about 3 weeks to conduct an analysis on one computer.

In 2006, 45 computers were forwarded to the Tech Crime Unit for examination.
The Technological Crime Unit also assists other officers with capturing and editing of digital video and still surveillance images, assistance with internet and Email related issues.

Criminal Occurrence Security Checks

People require a COSC for a number of reasons such as employment, fostering, volunteer or coaching positions, taxi licenses and Immigration or Pardon applications.

Persons must apply in person with valid photo ID. The name and DOB are checked against a variety of databases in order to verify whether or not there is a criminal record in existence in Canada. Upon proof of identity, using fingerprints if necessary, a letter is provided which details any such record.

There is no mandated length of time that determines whether or not a COSC is still valid.  It is up to each employer/agency as to if or when a new COSC is needed. In 2006, there were over 13,000 Criminal Occurrence Security Checks completed.

This office is also responsible for preparing summary letters of investigative files for insurance companies etc.