Starfleet Sciences - Forensic Services Division - Standard Field Kit and Operating Procedure
All Starfleet personnel that carry out forensic science work are equipped with a standard issue Forensic Field Kit. The kit is contained in a lightweight, but heavily durable, black backpack that utilises a refined version of the MOLLE system. The bag's only identifying feature is a Starfleet Sciences Forensic Services Division patch situated at the top centre location of the bag's front. Inside the bag are three metal cases which are inserted vertically to allow for quick access.
Primary Case
The first case, which contains the primary forensic kit, contains the primary toolkit. This box houses six Little Big Probes (based on the designs submitted to Starfleet Command by Lieutenant Zola of the USS Joshua Norton) that have been specifically calibrated for forensics. In particlar they are designed for the scanning of environments including; detailed photography, videography, holographic rendering, full spectrum scans to locate DNA, fingerprints, bodily fluids and other unique matter which may hold evidentiary value, and will also conduct quantum mass spectrometry. The data is relayed in real time to a PADD; also housed within the case which can be used for remote operation of any one LBP if required.
The LBPs tag all evidence which they locate. If something is tagged, the operator can inspect it further manually if required using a standard issue tricorder and/or by visual inspection.
If retrieval/sampling is required the tag also acts as a transporter signal allowing the sample to be beamed into a portable transporter buffer also housed within the case. This process also creates a chain of custody log within the system to allow for correct evidence handling procedures to be followed. It is important to note that due to the portable nature of the buffer, and the limits of transporter technology, the pattern will degrade after one hour rendering it unusable.
Secondary and Tertiary Cases
In environments where the LBPs cannot operate for any reason and the user cannot perform the majority of the scans manually using a tricorder operators can use the secondary forensic kit. The second case contains a more traditional CSI kit to allow for manual collection of evidence for situations where electronic equipment cannot be utilised. The third case is empty and to be used for securing evidence during manual field work.
The evidence log is also completed manually and the third case can be locked with a traditional cylinder lock system if required.
Post-Collection Process
Upon return to the base of operations any evidence must be placed or transported into a secure storage locker within the lab. The evidence storage locker requires voice recognition to access and each access will update the evidence log. The forensics team personnel can then carry out a multitude of tests using the various apparatus in the lab alongside the computer terminal which receives the data from the assigned LBPs and/or tricorder.
Holographic Reconstruction
Where holographic imagery is recorded from the scene this can be recreated and using computer algorithms based on the scientific evaluation of the evidence re-construct what is likely to have occurred. This uses holographic crash test dummies if people are involved in the incident; such as during a murder investigation.
While this cannot be used to know if Person A walked from the left side of a room to right side and picked up a glass and then set it back down; it can be used to work out the probable metrics of a perpetrator based on footprint density and size if prints have been left, species based on DNA, likely height and weight based on angles of attack and spatter patterns, type of weapon used, and once Medical complete any autopsy work that data can be added in to provide likely cause of death based on the Federation’s extensive forensic database.
