South Florida

Behind-the-Scenes at Miami Beach Police CSI Unit

NBC 6 is getting up close and personal with some of the most gruesome crimes in South Florida. On Wednesday, we went inside the Crime Scene Investigators unit to see what they do when they arrive to a scene.

Crime scene photos are not for the faint of heart, but somebody has to take them.

Last year, there were 893 violent crimes in the city, including murder, rape and robbery, with every piece of evidence carefully handled and processed.

"Unlike TV, things are not solved in 45 minutes with commercials. Still takes some time," said Officer William Collado with MBPD.

"The best DNA standard is from the inside of your cheek," said Lenett Holbrook with the CSI unit.

Inside the MBPD tool box: Advance touch DNA and equipment to take tire prints, and also identify body fluids.

"For example, in a rape case we can use these lights and search maybe sheets, a car seat or clothing to see if we can find any type of DNA evidence," Holbrook explained.

Investigators can also use laser technology to track bullet trajectory.

The CSI team in Miami Beach consists of approximately 12 people, including a supervisor and a handful of technicians.

This experience was part of the Miami Beach Police Citizens Academy.

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