Odisha Police to deploy crime scene officers in every police station

In a major reform aimed at strengthening scientific investigation and improving conviction rates, the Odisha Police has decided to appoint Crime Scene Officers in every police station across the state. 

The initiative seeks to ensure preservation of crucial evidence and faster, more effective criminal investigations in line with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which places greater emphasis on scientific evidence.

As per the directive issued by the Director General of Police (DGP), two Crime Scene Officers will be deployed in each police station. The posts will be filled by constables or home guards possessing science degrees, who will be specially trained to handle crime scenes with modern scientific techniques.

These officers will play a key role during investigations by ensuring proper preservation of evidence at crime scenes until forensic teams arrive. Their responsibilities will include securing the scene, preventing contamination or destruction of evidence, and assisting investigating officers through the use of advanced scientific methods, including audio and video recording of crime scenes.

The DGP said the move will help expedite the criminal justice process by improving the quality of evidence collection and strengthening prosecution under the new legal framework. The Crime Scene Officers will also support investigators in adopting technology-driven practices during inquiry and documentation.

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Selected personnel will undergo a six-week specialised training programme covering scientific tools, forensic awareness, crime scene management and their defined role during investigations. A dedicated training camp for the purpose was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Urban Police and Traffic Training Centre at Laxmisagar in Bhubaneswar.

The first batch of training includes 74 trainees drawn from different districts of the state. Officials said the initiative marks a significant step towards modernising policing and ensuring more professional handling of crime scenes across Odisha.