Scene and Evidence Services Command

To view information about the Scene and Evidence Command, check out the PDFs below:

SESC Overview

Scene and Evidence Services Command (SESC) consists of Crime Scene Services (CSS), the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit (TCRU), and the Statewide Evidence Vault (SEV). SESC strives to provide quality crime scene and traffic crash processing to our user agencies, to be a reliable custodian of evidence for the Illinois State Police, and to consistently go beyond what is expected. SESC will provide services to any law enforcement agency within the State of Illinois.

Crime Scene Services Overview:
Illinois State Police, Crime Scene Services (CSS) consists of approximately 40 Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) assigned across five geographic regions throughout the State. CSIs collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to aid in their criminal investigations and major case response.

CSIs undergo a comprehensive six-month field training program focusing on crime scene processing, documentation, and evidence collection. To maintain proficiency and ensure adherence to professional standards, CSIs certify through the International Association for Identification, participate in annual CSS in-service training, and pursue ILETSB certified continuing education. CSIs enhance their skills through advanced training and certifications in specialized forensic disciplines. CSIs also assume leadership roles, maintain memberships, and serve as board members in prestigious professional organizations.

CSIs are available to respond to all crimes against persons scenes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate response to property crimes will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Request a CSI:

CSS Command Center

800-892-4095.

Available 24 Hours • 365 Days

Traffic Crash Reconstruction Overview:
The Illinois State Police began providing traffic crash reconstructions in 1982, with six officers completing training and receiving certifications. Traffic Crash Reconstruction Officers (TCRO) were assigned to ISP Districts and received operational supervision from District Command until the establishment of the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit in 2014. The TCRU is supervised by a Lieutenant and three Master Sergeants, each overseeing operations in the Northern, Central, and Southern Regions of the state. TCROs utilize highly technical investigative equipment and software to investigate complex crash scenes including: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, GPS-laser total stations, airbag and engine control module readers, and PIX4D mapping software. TCROs attend extensive training to achieve Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board certification as Crash Reconstruction Specialists and attend over 120 hours of advanced crash reconstruction training each year. The ISP TCROs have been recognized by numerous Illinois courts as expert witnesses in the field of crash reconstruction by providing expert testimony in criminal and civil crash proceedings.

Statewide Evidence Vault Overview:
The SEV is the largest evidence vault in the Department and ensures the security of over 45,000 evidentiary exhibits. The SEV provides training, guidance, and functional control to each Troop/Zone vault in areas of evidence collection, processing, storage and destruction. The efforts of the SEV ensure the integrity of the Department’s evidence system is unimpeachable. As a testament to their accomplishments, SEV staff routinely assist other law enforcement agencies in establishing standards and controls for evidence handling.