OSI, PA conduct training exercise

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, UNITED STATES

08.29.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Delia Martinez 

341st Missile Wing

Malmstrom’s Office of Special Investigations and the 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs office teamed up for a training exercise recently with one critical mission to carry out - collect and document evidence.
The joint exercise scenario provided OSI and PA an opportunity to work together on a simulated crime scene as well as OSI’s exploratory use of a drone in evidence collection.
“To have public affairs come out and help us process the crime scene is very important,” said Special Agent Jack Angelo, deputy associate director for criminal investigations Headquarters OSI, Quantico, Virginia. “Crucial evidence is documented based on those photographs that the alert photographer takes and it really contributes immensely to our investigations.”
A forensic science agent dressed two mannequins, placed one in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and one in a field, spread fake blood on the clothing of both, dripped a fake blood trail on the gravel around the vehicle, smeared more on the SUV door and scattered simulated evidence around as well as inside the vehicle.
Once the simulated crime scene was completely set up, the forensic special agent started processing the crime scene with the Malmstrom OSI team while a special agent team from Headquarters OSI prepared two drones for the training exercise.
The PA alert photography team arrived shortly after the alert call, checked into the crime scene and waited for instruction from the agents.
The forensic science agent guided alert photographers through crime scene processing while emphasizing the perimeter and angles required for the photos in the scenario.
“I believe one of the most important things I learned today is that someone will always be with me while I am documenting evidence, directing and guiding me on which photographs need to be taken,” said Airman First Class Daniel Brosam, 341st MW PA photojournalist. “This helps me to feel more comfortable and confident in focusing on my part of the job while ensuring OSI gets what they need.”
Realistic training exercises provide agencies from different offices to practice working together before a real world event happens.
“We are going to be participating with and working hand-in-hand with the alert photographer, public affairs and security forces from the time that the crime has been detected to the processing of the crime scene,” said Angelo.
The alert photographers captured all the photos necessary for evidence and investigation, then the OSI headquarters team used the drone to photograph the scene from the air.
A priority in crime scene scenarios for both OSI and PA is to collect evidence without compromising the scene or trace evidence.
“We must know how to properly document the scene in its original state, to the best of our ability, without skewing any evidence,” said Brosam.
OSI is responsible for protecting critical technologies and information, detecting and mitigating threats, providing global specialized services, engaging foreign adversaries and threats offensively, and conducting major criminal investigations.
In addition to PA providing alert photo and video support for legal, security forces, safety, OSI, and the fire department, they also facilitate interviews, coordinate with local and national media, and engage the community, as well as produce public content for the base website and social media outlets.
This capability provides time sensitive documentation of disasters, mishaps, crime scenes, material deficiency reports and investigations.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2017
• Date Posted: 08.31.2017 18:02
• Story ID: 246851
• Location: MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, US