IN this month’s column I would like tell you something about our ‘CSI’ officers.

Firstly, we don’t call them CSIs (Crime Scene Investigators) as in the popular TV series! Ours are called simply FIs or Forensic Investigators.

There is a team of 50 FIs across West Mercia with a small group currently based in Kidderminster police station. They are all civilian members of staff who have received specialised training and attend crime scenes to gather evidence to assist in detecting an offence and bringing an offender to justice.

FI’s have to prioritise their work but will attend crimes ranging from vehicle break-ins to murders. Thankfully, the latter type of crime is very rare but, as you can imagine, when it does happen an immense amount of time and effort is invested into gathering the minutest pieces of evidence, some of which won’t even be visible to the human eye.

It is far more usual for the FI to attend what is termed as ‘volume crime’. Their main tasks are to photograph scenes, identifying, recovering and documenting any trace evidence whilst ensuring the scene and evidence is properly preserved, carrying out fingerprint examinations, preparing written evidence and attending court.

They also assist and advise police officers in all matters relating to the scientific investigation of crime.

You can help the FIs. If you are the victim of a crime or come across a crime scene, try to avoid contact with any areas disturbed or handled during this incident.

If you do have to tidy up certain areas, cover your hands and put any smooth shiny items to one side (these may have fingerprints on them) but feel free to tidy up any items of clothing.

If at all possible try to cover up any footprints, cigarette ends, chewing gum and the like using a clean bowl.

INSPECTOR PAUL CROWLEY, KIDDERMINSTER POLICE