The role of WPD’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit in solving crimes

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — When there are no witnesses to a crime, sometimes it is the silent evidence that can help solve it. The Wilmington Police Department Crime Scene Investigations Unit is responsible for collecting and preserving evidence during criminal investigations. It’s an important job for Crime Scene Technician Jessi Moore.

“Once we collect that evidence, we come back here to the station and we’ll process things in the lab so we can get things like DNA, or if we need to get fingerprints off of items, we do that as well,” Moore said.

Moore is passionate about helping victims and solving crimes, but not every day is easy. It can tough with what they deal with at a crime scene.

“I think the hardest thing is seeing people on the worst day that they could possibly imagine, because unfortunately we have to deal with people when they have been a victim of a crime,” Moore explained.

Whether it’s dusting for finger prints, swabbing for DNA, or collecting crucial evidence; sometimes the CSI Unit does not get enough credit.

“They’re the ones that are maliciously collecting and processing the evidence and they are within the police department, experts in our eyes,” said Lieutenant Greg Willett.

Of course, just like you see on crime shows, forensic evidence is very important to any case.

“It’s extremely important because with that evidence, usually that is what can really make or break a case,” Moore said.