Bloomington to get CSI officer in 2008

Forensic photography and blood spatter documentation will be among many duties a new Indiana State Police sergeant will be given upon completing training to become a crime scene investigator. \nWith the help of doctors, veteran crime scene investigators and training at various schools and laboratories, Washington County’s Sgt. Robert M. Neal will soon be serving as the Area 15 CSI. \n“Right now, I am working more as a detective investigator by overseeing investigations and working with veteran CSI investigators,” Neal said. “I may see some type of crime scene work in the future, and I am required to attend monthly meetings, but I’m still working on my training.” \nBased out of the Seymour post, Neal will work processing crime scenes, preserving physical evidence, testifying in court and overseeing evidence, according to an Indiana State Police news release. \nNeal will primarily be responsible for the counties of Bartholomew, Jackson and Jennings, according to the news release. The sergeant may be called to the area if and when needed, however, said Don Gregory, public information officer for the Indiana State Police, in an e-mail. \nIn nearby Marion County, the average number of callouts for the crime scene unit a year is around 800, and the district is required to have 12 crime scene specialists on staff, though it currently only employs seven, Marion County CSI specialist Mike Kouns said.\n“We are now starting training for four more investigators,” Kouns said. “The reason for the shortage is due to the demanding training these specialists must endure before they begin work.”\nBefore Neal is able start his work as a CSI, he must undergo textbook, laboratory, mock crime scene and trial training, Gregory said in the e-mail.\n“My short term goals are based around completing my training at this point,” Neal said. “We’re not currently working on suspicious cases, though I do want to be prepared for when they occur.” \nUpon completing his training, Neal will remain under the supervision of veteran crime scene investigators for a period of up to six months until he can officially work as a crime scene investigator for the Indiana State Police, Gregory said in the e-mail. \n“He was recently promoted and has been tying up some loose ends in his previous position while getting ready for the intensive learning period to start,” Gregory said in the e-mail. \nNeal’s other new duties will include working with footwear and tire impressions, crime scene security and safety and autopsy procedures.\nNeal was selected to attend the Indiana State Police Academy in 1983, according to the news release. After graduating, he was assigned to the Seymour post. \nNeal transferred to the Sellersburg post in 1985, where he served as a district detective, detective supervisor and district duty officer.