The Forensic Department consists of two divisions. The forensic digital detectives work in the first section. They perform investigations on digital devices and provide technical advice in tactical investigations. The second section, the forensic section, is the section that collects physical traces at the scene of the crime. The Forensic detection also investigates serious (traffic) accidents.
While both sections share the same level of expertise, there are differences within the forensic division where laboratory workers, technical detectives and officers, trained in recording and reading fingerprints, are led by a team leader.
The Police Force collect traces, parts of which are often sent to the Dutch Forensic Institute for further investigation.
Among the investigations conducted by the Forensic Department are: DNA investigations of traces collected and DNA comparison, glass comparison, investigation of gunshot residue traces, drug identification and ballistic research. Forensic detection also works with other specialised experts in this field at the crime scene and on (lifeless) bodies.
These experts are, for example, anthropologists, pathologists, toxicologists and (forensic) doctors.
The choices of forensic investigations are determined in consultation with the police investigation team and the assigned prosecutor of the case.
