Identification Bureau
The ID Bureau is responsible for crime scene investigation,
criminal arrest records, latent fingerprint examination and
identification, maintenance of a color/bw dark room, digital
dark room and the finger printing of individuals for pistol
permit applications, citizenship, liquor license, adoption,
employment, etc.
In 2000, the ID Bureau processed mug shots and fingerprints
for 1,050 arrests. The Bureau took approximately 650 film photographs,
developing film and printing over 500 photos.
The ID Division received 2 new NIKON Coolpix digital cameras
for Detective use. The new equipment compliments LPD's capability
to capture still images digitally from surveillance videotapes
and crime scenes. The LPD ID Division maintains a state of the
art video play back system capable of viewing most known video
formats.
In 2003 digital crime scene photos were taken in over 450 cases,
blotters and accidents. Approximately 1200 prints were generated
from those photos for court etc.
Latent fingerprints were dusted for and lifted from crime scenes
and objects of evidence in 271 cases.
In 2003 the division took approximately 100 film photographs,
developing film and printing about 80-color photos. This includes
color photography processed not only for the Lockport Police
Department but also for insurance companies, Attorney's, Niagara
County District Attorney's Office and the Lockport Fire Department.
Film photography is decreasing at LPD do to digital technology.
Digital processing is saving money over film processing.
40 Pistol Permit background investigations were prepared for
the Niagara County Pistol Permit Office as compared to 21 in
2002.
The
County Automated Fingerprint Identification System, (CAFIS)
was further stabilized in 2003 in regards to the connection
to LPD.
As
part of the CAFIS system, the Lockport PD continues to utilize
an additional piece of County Wide software known as "MGIS".
That software provides for data sharing among Niagara County
users, ie.photos, arrest history and photo arrays. "MGIS"
is an intranet for Lockport PD, Niagara County Sheriff's, Niagara
Falls PD and North Tonawanda PD.
Additional Duties assigned to the ID Office
The
department continued in 2003 just as we did in 2002 to improve
our computer network, computer desktops, mobile data and voice
radio systems.
It
is our position that our Records management, Mobile Data system,
desktop computer system and software at the Lockport Police
Department continue to be the most effective and practical
system in Western NY. Our vendors supply us with updates routinely.
