In what scenarios would a Crime Scene Analyst be required to testify?

A Crime Scene Analyst would be required to testify during court cases involving evidence they collected or analyzed because their role directly impacts the integrity of the evidence presented in legal proceedings. Testifying ensures that the findings and methodologies used in collecting and analyzing evidence are validated in a judicial context, allowing the court to understand the scientific processes behind the evidence. This testimony may cover aspects such as the chain of custody, the manner in which evidence was collected, the techniques used for analysis, and the conclusions drawn from those analyses.

In contrast, preliminary investigations at the crime scene, internal department reviews, and providing training to new crime scene investigators do not typically require the analyst to provide testimony in a court setting. These activities are part of the investigative or departmental processes but do not directly involve the legal implications of the evidence that would necessitate a court appearance.