RAF Mildenhall agencies practice crime scene processing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Luke Milano
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The room is silent and ominous. Blood is spattered on the wall, discarded weapons are scattered around the floor, and a body lies motionless in the corner. What sounds like a scene found from a crime drama, is in fact a training scenario.

Airmen from the 100th Security Forces Squadron Intelligence and Investigations conducted crime scene processing training with Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 512 and 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs for the first time here, Aug. 1, 2018.


“During this training we, can walk the photographer through what we need from them when we process a crime scene,” said Investigator Alaina Howard, 100th SFS NCO in charge of intelligence and investigations. “It’s a way for our agencies to communicate together, so at the end of the day the justice system can do its job.”

The training used vignette-based scenarios, along with simulated evidence and corpses to produce a more realistic training environment for the Airmen and lead to better collaboration between the three agencies.

Howard said each of the agencies have their own skill sets for performing a crime scene investigation. This training allowed the agencies to share knowledge and compare methods. 
  

Processing a crime scene is more than just documentation. There are procedures that must be followed when entering the area, Howard said.

"The agents covered every angle of crime scene photography, from capturing fingerprints to drops of blood. I appreciate them sharing their expertise with us," said Senior Airman Kelly O'Connor, 100th ARW Public Affairs broadcast journalist. "Thankfully I’ve never had to respond to a homicide, but if one occurs, I’m ready to support."

The training between the three agencies is expected to continue frequently to build on a strong foundation.

“By conducting this training we can be more involved, be more detailed and sharpen our tools,” Howard said.