TEMPE, Ariz. — The Tempe Police Department has introduced a newly restructured forensics team, marking the completion of a two-year transformation aimed at modernizing how the city investigates and processes crime scenes.
The Forensic Services Unit, now active as of mid-June, features a team of four crime scene specialists and a fingerprint technician, all trained to handle a range of evidence types, from DNA samples to shoe impressions.
The move follows a decision in 2023 by Police Chief Ken McCoy to suspend the department’s previous unit, which lacked adequate policies, training, and tools. Rather than patching it up, the department opted for a full reset.
“This new unit represents our commitment to careful, respectful, and thorough investigative work,” McCoy said in a statement. “It’s about doing right by our community and every case we touch.”
To prepare for the relaunch, the crime scene specialists completed intensive training over nine months, including time spent at the Mesa Police Department’s forensic lab, where they worked alongside experienced professionals.
With their new training and equipment, the unit is now able to collect and analyze a variety of evidence at crime scenes, including:
Fingerprints and impressions
Tool marks and trace evidence
Blood and other biological materials
DNA sources and buccal swabs
Documentation during incidents involving serious injuries or fatalities
Tempe police said the overhaul not only brings the unit in line with current investigative standards, but also positions it to support complex cases more effectively moving forward.
