Zariah Walker

I am a dedicated Crime Scene Technician and Fingerprint Examiner-in-Training with the South Bend Police Department, bringing hands-on expertise in crime scene processing, evidence collection, digital forensics, and forensic photography. My role involves coordinating evidence teams, documenting and preserving physical and digital evidence, supporting autopsies, assisting with search warrants, and preparing materials for court presentations. I served as a Digital Forensic Video Analyst, retrieving and processing media for investigations, while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Indiana University East. I previously earned a certification in Emergency Medical Services, giving me a strong foundation in both investigative and life-saving procedures. My experience extends beyond forensics. I have honed leadership, customer service, and incident management skills in roles ranging from shift manager to security officer. I thrive in high-pressure environments, balancing professionalism with empathy when engaging with victims, suspects, and the community. With a proven ability to lead teams, manage complex evidence, and communicate across law enforcement and public sectors, I am building a career at the intersection of criminal justice, forensic science, and digital investigation. Willing to relocate: Anywhere

VMD - West Forensics March 2026 to Present

• Obtained certification in Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD) from West Forensic Technology, specializing in the application of gold and zinc deposition techniques to enhance and visualize latent prints on challenging substrates including plastics, metals, and adhesive surfaces.

The Application of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) in Cold Cases: From DNA to Suspect Identification January 2026 to Present

• Applied advanced knowledge of forensic DNA methodologies by distinguishing STR profiling used in CODIS from SNP sequencing for Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), evaluating cold case evidence for IGG suitability, executing IGG workflows from DNA extraction through bioinformatic analysis and genealogical research, and developing legally sound investigative strategies in compliance with DOJ guidelines and evidentiary standards while maintaining chain of custody and court admissibility

Scientific Basics of Fingerprints and Palmprints May 2025 to Present

• Certification of completion for the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services training in the Basics of Fingerprint and Palm Print course.

Forensic Shooting Incident Reconstruction April 2025 to Present

• Completed an intensive 40 hour Shooting Incident Reconstruction course led by internationally recognized forensic scientist Michael Haag, gaining hands on experience in trajectory analysis, bullet path reconstruction, impact interpretation, and evidence correlation; applied ballistics principles including muzzle to target distance determination and firearm pattern analysis; developed proficiency using trajectory rods, lasers, protractors, and 3D scene mapping tools; and emphasized scientific methodology, precise documentation, and effective courtroom presentation of reconstruction findings

International Association for Identification Membership October 2024 to Present

• Active member of the International Association for Identification, the world’s largest forensic identification organization, engaged in ongoing professional development through continuing education, training workshops, and conferences; maintain current knowledge of best practices, ethical standards, and certification guidelines in latent print examination and crime scene processing (membership only, not a certification)

M-VAC System April 2024 to Present

• Certified in the operation of the M-VAC System, utilizing wet vacuum technology to collect trace DNA from porous, textured, and traditionally difficult surfaces, increasing the likelihood of DNA recovery in complex cases.

Vehicle System Forensics Course April 2024 to Present

• Completed certified training in vehicle system forensics through the Berla iVE Program, focusing on the extraction and analysis of digital evidence from in-vehicle infotainment and telematics systems.
• Acquired hands-on experience using iVE hardware and software for data acquisition, decoding, and interpretation from supported vehicle makes and models.
• Trained to recover and analyze data such as GPS locations, call logs, contact lists, text messages, paired device information, and vehicle events relevant to criminal investigations.
• Emphasized adherence to digital evidence handling standards, data integrity verification, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Strengthened understanding of vehicle data architecture, privacy considerations, and legal admissibility of digital automotive evidence.

Crime Scene Processing April 2024 to Present

Crime Scene Photography April 2024 to Present

Vehicle System Forensic Technician May 2024 to Present

• Earned Technician-level certification in vehicle system forensics through the Berla iVE Program, specializing in the technical acquisition, preservation, and transfer of digital data from vehicle infotainment and telematics systems.
• Trained in hardware setup, software configuration, and secure data extraction from supported vehicle platforms.
• Conducted forensic imaging and cloning of in-vehicle modules for subsequent examiner-level analysis.
• Applied proper evidence handling, verification, and documentation procedures to maintain data integrity and chain of custody.
• Gained working knowledge of vehicle system components, connector interfaces, and forensic imaging workflows to support digital forensic investigations.

Vehicle System Forensic Operator May 2024 to May 2026

• Completed operator certification in vehicle system forensics through the Berla iVE Program, specializing in the identification, acquisition, and preservation of digital evidence from vehicle infotainment and telematics systems.
• Trained in the use of iVE hardware and software for lawful data extraction from supported vehicle makes and models.
• Learned to recover GPS locations, recent destinations, call logs, paired devices, and event data relevant to investigative casework.
• Emphasized digital evidence handling, verification, and documentation consistent with forensic best practices and chain-of-custody standards.
• Developed foundational understanding of vehicle network architecture, data integrity, and reporting procedures to support forensic examiners and investigative personnel.

Vehicle System Forensic Examiner May 2024 to May 2026

• Completed examiner-level certification in vehicle system forensics through the Berla iVE Program, focusing on the forensic acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of digital data from in-vehicle infotainment and telematics systems.
• Gained examiner proficiency in evidence extraction, validation, and artifact reconstruction from supported vehicle platforms using iVE software and hardware tools.
• Conducted examinations of GPS data, call logs, contact records, Bluetooth pairings, and event histories to assist in investigative casework.
• Applied forensic methodologies consistent with digital evidence integrity, validation standards, and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Strengthened analytical capabilities in correlating recovered vehicle data with investigative timelines, suspect movement, and event reconstruction.

Department Commendation March 2026 Led reexamination of a 2007 cold case using advanced forensic techniques and modern technology, leading to the development of new evidence. Collaborated with external partners, including the television program Cold Justice, to leverage additional investigative resources, ultimately contributing to case resolution and conviction. 

Department Commendation March 2025 Recognition for using new laboratory technology and in-depth testing methods to review cold case evidence, which I was able to positively identify an individual in a 32 year old homicide case.