CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE HUNTER, Iraq— American audiences are familiar with hit television series CSI (Crime Scene Investigation): Miami, Las Vegas and New York, but its footprint never reached southern Maysan province, until now.
Officers and noncommissioned officers from 41st Iraqi Army Brigade participated in advanced Crime Scene Investigative training led by Bart Branyon, a law enforcement professional attached to 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment. Branyon, a seasoned investigator, is the local subject matter expert with more than 20 years of experience with state, national and international agencies.
Students in the class were familiar with the CSI series, but none ever thought the premise of the show would make its way to Maysan.
“I never expected to know how the investigators work on a crime scene ... I wish we could learn even more advanced techniques,” said an Iraqi lieutenant graduating from the course.
In a society where a case is best presented to judges through illustration, instruction was tailored to teach how to effectively paint a picture which clearly depicts a scene using professionally rendered photos and diagrams.
The week-long course focused on developing crime scene investigation subject matter experts throughout 41st IA Bde. Equipped with advanced techniques and procedures, Iraqi Soldiers are now armed with the tools to collect evidence crucial to garnering warrants, arresting individuals and ensuring they remain behind bars.
Special instructions in multi-setting digital photography offered students an opportunity to learn how to effectively capture the fine details of a crime scene. Detailed photographs, in conjunction with scale diagrams, form a compelling visualization for judges to consider.
Detailed measurements and specifically outlined positions of key evidence create a story and are effective techniques commonly applied in courtrooms.
Class presentations included photos from actual crime scenes to present real scenarios to expose students to the reality of crime scene investigation. One practical exercise also illustrated how blood spatter can be used to determine the movement of bodies and weapons in an incident.
Students were tested on techniques they learned and responded to a mock crime scene. Lt. Col. William Walski, 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. commander, commended the graduates for their dedication and commitment throughout training.
“The knowledge you take from this class, and the expertise you’ve shown will directly reflect in the security of Maysan,” said Walski. “The security of this area and of this base in particular is a direct reflection on how good you guys are.”
While a season of CSI: Maysan isn’t probable, the 41st IA Bde. continues advancing professionally to improve their ability to remove criminals from the streets of southern Maysan and stem the tide of smuggling from Iran though the marshes. As more Soldiers are familiarized with the science behind evidence gathering, the Central Criminal Court of Iraq will rely more heavily on their abilities to both arrest and support the prosecution of criminals across the Maysan province.
