How does the forensics program work?
The FWC Fish and Wildlife Forensics Program provides training to law enforcement officers, investigators, scientists, and other potential experts to enable them to participate in forensic investigations at different levels. FWC law enforcement officers are the first line of contact with violations to the Florida Wildlife Code. They receive training on how to recognize, identify, collect, and secure evidence that can be used to file criminal charges. A good proportion of the evidence collected by the officers does not require further analysis and is secured until needed by the criminal justice system. Other evidence must be submitted for analysis by forensic experts. The officers are trained in how to secure, preserve, and transport evidence without compromising its integrity. Different types of evidence must be analyzed by different experts. Items such as firearms, bullets, and fingerprints are submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) forensic laboratory facilities
