Agenda - 04/19/05 JEO Mtg. - Laserfiche WebLink

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administrative details connected to forensics. No piece of evidence moves through the system without a full and accurate record of everyone who handled it. and GIFTS The Lane County Sheriff's Office forensics program was a work-in-progress until 2001, when new equipment and investigative/analytical tools were added to the ''~ O ~' ga.an_ office. Of especial note is the digital imaging hardware/software capabili .ty. With the acquisition of good digital cameras and the equipment needed to download, store, r .-uh-ment and access crime scene images, the Sheriffs Office is now able to provide instant access of images to the District Attorney and other authorized agents. This one capa- ...and Morel bility alone has paid for itself m time saved, evidence presented expediently and m general expenses reduced. The State Department of ~ tuman Forensics' office location, while very compact and small compared to other juris- .i-Services recently awarded The dictions, was physically remodeled during this same period. New flooring, furnishings, Lane Count3,, Sheriffs Office funds ' from the Rural Access to Emergency computers, bm-code filing systems, analytical equipment, evidence lockers and storage Devices Program. The grant will allow areas were installed. Available space was optimized and redesigned for efficienc3: A the Sheriffs Office to purchase an barcode evidence filing system using the Bar-coded Evidence Analysis Statistics & automated external defibrillator (or Tracking software ("BEAST"), has saved hours of paperwork and tedium over recent AED) that can save lives. When a sud- years. The newer fingerprint processing chamber and sealed evidence drying cabinets den cardiac arrest occurs, acting quickly have assured that evidence is more carefully handled and accuracy attained. Large new is necessary. AEDs deliver shocks to rolling file shelves allow easier access to evidence. Forensic evidence can consist of the heart in order to restart a heart that has gone into arrest. The equipment anything at all: Drugs, guns, weapons, clothing, perishable soft tissue samples, blood, has to be light, durable, and reliable. All urine, household objects, documents-anything, including subtleties like fingerprints 394 SherifFs Office employees receive and residual DNA. These items require secure storage. Much of the space occupied training in first aid, in forensics is dedicated to storage of evidence and records. Physical evidence is CPR, and the usc of "The ~rant is intended to supply stored while awaiting court trials or appeals. Court cases under appeal can take years, AEDs. The new remote rural areas which means the evidence needs storage and accessibility during long time periods. AED will be placed with this life- Is there job satisfaction in the life of a forensics technician? Of course there is. in one of the Forest savin9 device." When science steps in and brings evidence to the stucface, there is considerable fulfill- Work Camp Vehicles that travel on isolated rural sections of merit and the strong possibili~, for solution of a crime. Sandy said that when he Lane CounD~ daily. The grant is intend- approaches a crime scene and "walks up someone's driveway, that means they're ed to supply remote rural areas with probably already having a very bad day." Sandyg work may be the last honorable this life-saving device. Currently, the service performed for a crime victim. Conducting a thorough and professional inves- Sheriffs Office has 13 AEDs placed tigafion and assisting the family with closure while executing justice is the ultimate throughout the organization-from the goal. ~ Marine Patrols to the Search and Rescue crew. This new device will add to the life-saving capacity of the Sheriff's Office. ..................................................................... Fhe Alliance for Communi~ Traffic Q: Knowing that Lane County extends all the way out to the Safety. had awarded the Sheriff's Office Pacific Coast, does the Sheriff's Office have any jurisdiction with a $5,000 Building Safer Com- over activity on our beaches...? munities Mini-Grant. The grant will be used to purchase bike helmets, booster A: Yes. The SherifFs Oregon Dunes Patrol is staffed by a deputy scats and bike repair supplies for the "Bikes For Kids" event to be held in through a grant fund from Oregon State Parks and Recreation the fall of 2005. The event is supported Department's ATV Fund and federal reimbursements to Lane through volunteer efforts on thc part County. This unit provides law enforcement, emergency medical of the Sheriff's Office staff in collabo- ration with several other agencies and response, search & rescue, and public education services to visi- community parmers. The Bikes for tots frequenting this beautiful recreation area. Trained reserve Kids event targets specific populations deputies routinely assist on weekends, holidays and with special and promotes bike and child passenger safety.. Be on the lookout next fall for events. ~ this fun-fried day. ~