TEMPE, AZ — After a two-year overhaul led by Police Chief Ken McCoy, the Tempe Police Department is proud to announce the official launch of its new and improved Forensic Services Unit, now staffed by four fully-trained and highly-educated Crime Scene Specialists (CSSs). The team began responding to scenes on Monday, June 16, 2025, bringing a new level of professionalism, expertise, and forensic capability to the department and the community it serves.
When Chief McCoy took the helm of the department in 2023, the Forensic Services Unit was in dire need of reform. Among the issues: no formal policies and procedures, expired or inadequate equipment, and a lack of advanced training requirements. Recognizing the critical role forensic services play in modern policing, Chief McCoy made the bold decision to pause operations and rebuild the unit from the ground up.
“This new Forensic Services Unit reflects our commitment to excellence and care for our community. Every piece of evidence tells a story, and our specialists are dedicated to uncovering the truth with respect, precision, and heart. This is about justice—and about serving Tempe with integrity every step of the way.” said Chief McCoy.
Each CSS completed a rigorous six-month preparation process, including a three-month academy at the Mesa Police Department’s Forensic Services Lab followed by an additional three months of field training. They are now capable of processing crime scenes from start to finish—documenting, collecting, and preserving a wide range of physical evidence that is vital to investigations.
These specialists will respond to a variety of forensic needs, including:
- Latent and visible fingerprints
- Shoe and tire impressions (2D/3D)
- Toolmarks
- Bloodstains and other biological evidence
- Trace evidence and potential DNA sources
- Serious injury or death investigations (when the Office of the Medical Examiner is involved)
- Buccal swabs, inked prints, and other probative documentation
Tempe’s new CSSs are trained to handle each scene with technical skill and investigative awareness—ensuring accurate and thorough evidence processing that supports both short-term investigations and long-term justice outcomes.