News Summary
The Knoxville Police Department’s Forensics Team operates nightly, gathering essential evidence from crime scenes. They work on various cases, utilizing specialized techniques to document crucial forensic evidence, ensuring public safety and community involvement. The team also helps identify an unidentified woman found in 2022, illustrating the importance of their meticulous work in addressing diverse crime scenarios in Knoxville.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Police Department’s (KPD) Forensics Team works tirelessly throughout the night to gather crucial evidence from various crime scenes across the city. Operating from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., the team responds promptly to calls, tackling a range of cases including stabbings, shootings, car break-ins, and stolen vehicles. They aim to document and collect physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA samples, blood spatter patterns, and bullets, making significant contributions to investigations.
Cody Lawson, a Crime Scene Technician with a degree in forensic anthropology, shares that working in the dark often conceals vital evidence at crime scenes. The team employs various techniques to uncover clues that may otherwise remain hidden. Evidence collected during these nighttime operations is meticulously brought back to the property unit for further analysis.
Despite common misconceptions that forensic work is typically limited to high-profile murder cases, the reality is far more diverse. Many incidents requiring their expertise can often be less sensational but are just as critical for public safety. The KPD Forensics Team addresses a wide variety of cases, demonstrating the importance of their work to the community.
Forensic technicians like Lawson must possess a high level of mental resilience. They regularly confront trauma and death, often encountering the harrowing realities of crime. Yet, for Lawson, working on unique cases adds an element of excitement and variety to her job, preventing monotony in the demanding environment of forensic science.
In addition to the responsibilities that come with their nighttime schedule, Lawson appreciates the peace that comes with working during hours when the city is usually quiet. This tranquility allows her to focus on gathering evidence without the distractions that can accompany daytime workloads.
In a separate initiative, the KPD and the Knox County Regional Forensic Center are seeking assistance from the public to identify the remains of an unidentified woman discovered on August 16, 2022, in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood of Knoxville. The victim, described as approximately 5’1″ tall and aged between 35 and 55, was found wearing a black tank top, black leggings, and a Carhartt logo hat.
To aid in the identification process, a facial composite of the victim has been created by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Authorities encourage citizens with any information regarding the identity of the victim to reach out to either the Regional Forensic Center or Crime Stoppers.
Through their commitment and perseverance, the KPD Forensics Team plays a vital role in public safety by employing forensic science to address the complexities of crime in Knoxville. Their work not only supports ongoing investigations but reinforces the need for community involvement in solving cases that impact residents directly.
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HERE Resources
Knoxville Police Seek Help Locating Next-of-Kin for Deceased Woman
Additional Resources
- WBIR: KPD Forensics Team Throughout Night
- WATE: Knox County to Break Ground on New Forensic Center
- News Channel 5: TBI Adds Forensic Experts, Faces Delays
- Knox News: Knox County Forensics Seek Assistance Identifying Remains
- TBI Newsroom: Now Hiring TBI Special Agent Forensic Scientist
- Wikipedia: Forensic Science
- Google Search: Forensic Science Jobs
- Google Scholar: Forensic Technology
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Forensic Science
- Google News: Forensic News
