The Forensic Investigation Unit is part of the Investigations Division of the Unified Police Department. Our mission and goal is to provide our residents with a dedicated, skilled and highly trained work force of Forensic Analysts. We provide the highest quality of scientific analysis to the criminal justice system. Our Forensic staff is motivated by a strong work ethic, intelligence and integrity. Diverse educational backgrounds and areas of interest in the Forensic Science arena help us fulfill our goals and accomplish our mission. Our Forensic staff partners with governmental and private entities to effectively meet the needs of Utah’s criminal justice community. We are committed to a strategy of continuous improvement, through education and constantly seeking to meet the expectations of our customers and striving to learn those needs and expectations.

The Forensic Investigation Unit is staffed with a supervisor, 8 highly trained full-time civilian Forensic Analysts and a Forensic Office Specialist. We provide services in Forensic Photography, Latent Print Processing and Identification, Evidence Collection, Forensic Microscopy for Trace Evidence, Blood Stain Pattern Interpretation, Digital Forensics, 3-D Crime Scene Scanning and Reconstruction, Serial Number Restoration, E-Trace (weapon serial numbers), and Controlled Substance Analysis. Additionally, the Forensic Analysts are certified phlebotomists.

The Forensic Unit also offers student internship programs, and ride along opportunities to those enrolled in college criminal justice programs.

Special Victims Unit

Children pose a unique challenge when investigating crimes perpetrated against them. The Special Victims Unit is specially trained to handle these sensitive cases. The SVU is comprised of ten sworn detectives, two civilians, and one sergeant. They are tasked with investigating physical child abuse, neglect, and all sexual abuse cases. They also investigate allegations of abuse committed against vulnerable people in the community such as disabled citizens or the elderly. The SVU also conducts investigations into all sexual crimes including domestic sexual assault cases.

SVU has one detective that participates in the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Predators can be found on line searching for child victims, and the ICAC works to apprehend them using the same forum.

The civilian employee assigned to the unit is responsible for all missing persons and runaway children investigations.

The members of the SVU also coordinate the sex offender registry list and ensure people are in compliance with their court mandated requirements.

CAR Unit
Collision Analysis and Reconstruction

The Collision Analysis Reconstruction (CAR) Unit is a multi-jurisdictional effort with participating agencies from across the Salt Lake County area. Unified Police has a full time sworn member assigned to the unit.

CAR responds to all major traffic accidents resulting in substantial bodily injury or fatalities. The members of CAR have extensive specialized training and experience to be able to reconstruct accident scenes.

CAR is also involved in public safety awareness programs such as the recent initiative pushing education and awareness of pedestrian safety.

Domestic Violence and Fraud/Forgery Unit

This unit is comprised of one sergeant, four domestic violence detectives, two fraud/forgery investigators, and a District Attorney’s Office liaison. These detectives assume responsibility for domestic violence cases needing additional follow-up while working closely with department Victim Advocates to ensure victims receive the resources and support they need. Detectives assigned to Financial Crimes specialize in complex fraud/forgery and embezzlement cases in which victims have suffered substantial losses.