The Odisha government will soon appoint dedicated Crime Scene Officers (CSOs) in each of the state’s 685 police stations, officials said on Thursday. The move comes a day after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a recruitment drive aimed at enhancing evidence-based policing.
The Crime Scene Officers, each holding a degree in science, will be tasked with responding quickly to crime scenes, securing areas to prevent evidence contamination, and collecting biological, digital, and physical evidence. They will also ensure proper preservation and documentation protocols, said Vinaytosh Mishra, Director General (Crime Branch), Odisha Police.
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Currently, police officers handle crime scene evidence collection, which often leads to delays and errors due to workload and lack of specialised training. For serious crimes, forensic experts are called in, but the response time can compromise the quality of evidence. “A police officer has several responsibilities, which sometimes results in improper or delayed evidence collection. With CSOs in place, we can ensure that crime scenes are processed scientifically and efficiently,” said a senior police official.
The initiative aligns with the forensic requirements laid out in India’s newly introduced criminal laws. The government aims to build a robust network of trained professionals who will act as a vital link between the investigating officers and forensic laboratories. “These officers will undergo specialised training in areas such as crime scene photography, fingerprint lifting, DNA sample collection, bloodstain pattern analysis, and trace evidence handling. They will also be equipped with advanced digital tools to document every detail accurately,” the official added.
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Another officer likened the move to setting up a “mini forensic unit” within every police station. “The CSOs will understand both the scientific and legal standards of evidence handling. They will ensure that the chain of custody is maintained, and all collected materials reach forensic labs in proper condition,” the officer said. Police officials believe this decision will significantly improve conviction rates by strengthening the foundation of criminal investigations with scientific evidence.