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Behind the scenes with the FBI's Evidence Response Team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 got a behind-the-scenes look at how the FBI collects evidence at major crime scenes.

Community leaders gained a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Citizens Academy.

The Evidence Response Team specializes in forensics.

“We're going to the most sensitive cases, most difficult cases, mass tragic disasters,” team member Dan Lucero said.

The team responded to 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing, the Charleston church shooting and the case of Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph.

It's the team's job to seek out “the give the best opportunity to find whatever that truth may be,” Lucero said. “No preconceived idea. No predetermined destination -- just what does the scientific fact tell us?”

Attorney Toussaint Romain, who is running for Mecklenburg County district attorney, learned more about what the unit does.

“In court, we have many times prints that aren't full prints and things that are sort of missing, so understanding the nuances in reality and what happens on TV is something that I will take away from this,” Romain said.

The agency hosts two academies each year. Potential candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check, among other criteria.

Click here to learn more about the FBI's Citizens Academy.