One of the many assets of the ASPCA Forensic Sciences Team is the Mobile Animal Crime Scene Unit that travels across the country to assist law enforcement in their efforts to build cases against and prosecute animal cruelty offenders.
What Is the Mobile CSI Unit?
A Ford E-450 (full-size van) customized by La Boit Inc. that’s 26 feet in length and climate-controlled, with a full electronics suite with a generator.
What Can the Mobile CSI Unit Do?
The Mobile Animal CSI Unit allows our team to process suspected crime scenes more quickly and more efficiently. Because it gives our team the ability to work on-site, the stress placed on any living animals is reduced. It also provides for a more concise chain of custody, thereby helping to ensure the integrity of physical evidence recovered from a crime scene.
Special Features
The vehicle is fully outfitted to allow our forensic analysts to examine and care for animals found at suspected crime scenes, and includes a surgical suite. The on-board equipment includes:
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General supplies such as a photography equipment, tools to collect and preserve physical evidence, a stretcher for animal transport and personal protective equipment;
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Medical examination and surgical equipment to evaluate and treat animals for emergency life-threatening conditions, as well as necropsy equipment, including digital microscope, digital x-ray machine, sexual assault kit and anesthesia/oxygen machine;
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Blood evidence supplies such as Phenolphthalein, Blue Star imaging equipment and blood spatter photo scales;
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Evidence collection supplies such as packaging and identification kits, entomology collection supplies and various alternate light source to detect trace evidence; and
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Grave detection and exhumation equipment including soil sampler, sifter, GPS unit, compass and digital distance measuring devices.
CSI Forensics Glossary
Check out our CSI Forensics Glossary for an explanation of the tools and techniques used in processing a crime scene.
Forensic Investigations
Learn about our notable forensic investigations and expert witness testimony.
New Animal CSI Response Vehicle
The ASPCA unveils its new mobile Animal CSI vehicle, a 2010 Subaru Outback, specifically designed for emergency response situations.