Biological & Trace Evidence

2 Day Program

Biological and trace evidence is easily overlooked, contaminated or destroyed. This session provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to locate and preserve these types of fragile evidence. Students will be introduced to various chemical and non-destructive techniques to utilize during scene exams. Stressed as part of the course material covered, will be procedures to use in the safe handling and storage of biological evidence. Information on the latest in DNA technology and how DNA evidence can best be utilized in criminal investigations is also provided.

Crime Scene: First Responder

2 Day Program

Persons that are first responders to crime scenes are responsible for safeguarding the scene, and in some instances, the collection of evidence. By attending this 2-day program, personnel will gain a solid understanding of the dynamics of a crime scene, the importance of timely and thorough information gathering, the fragile nature of physical evidence, how physical evidence can be used in criminal and non-criminal investigations and what methods can best be employed to protect, preserve and if needed, collect evidence at the scene.

This program is well suited for new officers in the field as well as older officers or field supervisors that would like to refresh and update their understanding of crime scene procedures.

Crime Scene Videography

2 Day Program

This session is a must for any agency utilizing or planning to utilize video tape for the documentation of crime scenes. The focus is on developing the student's skills as a videographer so that they can produce quality videotape footage that will be acceptable for use in court. Other material covered includes the selection of appropriate equipment, storage of electronic media, and legal issues surrounding video usage.

Evidence Photography - Basic

3 Day Program

All photography sessions are developed for the client based on the photography equipment that the client uses on a day to day basis. Basic Evidence Photography presents detailed instruction in fundamental photographic principles and exposure to useful photographic accessories. Students are introduced to the approach and basic techniques used in documenting incident scenes. They complete a series of photographic exercises, and once developed, their finished work will be individually evaluated with additional time taken to help the student correct any deficiencies.

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Evidence Photography - Advanced

3 Day Program

This program takes the student beyond the techniques learned in the basic workshop. Topics covered include macro and close-up photography; oblique lighting techniques; multiple flash photography and photographic filter usage. Specialized shooting situations such as time exposure, multiple flash photos, bloodstain pattern documentation and panoramic photography are covered in this program. The photographic work of each student is evaluated on an individual basis.

Completion of Basic Evidence Photography is required for enrollment in this advanced program.

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Homicide & Other Death Investigations

5 Day Program

Investigating a death is one of the most significant types of investigations that an officer can become involved with. Society, in general, and family members in particular, expect that a thorough and professional investigation will be conducted into any death. In the case of murder, successful identification, apprehension and prosecution of the offender, demands the assignment of skilled personnel.

This seminar is designed to develop the skills of novice as well as experienced investigators. It will provide students with the needed information to ensure that all investigative procedures have been utilized. Students will discuss, evaluate and work on actual case investigations and will be provided with investigative checklists, sample forms, reports, worksheets and other resource material.

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Fingerprint Development & Recovery Techniques

3 Day Program

This is an intermediate level workshop designed to increase the effectiveness of the crime scene examiner in locating, documenting and recovering latent print evidence. Topics addressed include the history and physiology of fingerprints, scene examination techniques and documentation and recovery procedures including close-up and 1:1 photography of developed prints. Students work with a variety of processing techniques that include conventional and fluorescent powders, superglue fuming and chemical enhancement.

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Footwear and Tire Track Evidence 

3 Day Program

The importance of footwear and tire track evidence located at a crime scene is emphasized. Classroom work includes preservation, documentation and collection techniques of both two and three dimensional impressions. Techniques presented include diagramming, casting, use of conventional and chemical development processes, electrostatic lifting and photography.

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Photography Introduction - Know Your Camera

1 Day Program

This session is geared toward individuals having either no or very limited experience with 35mm photography. An in-depth orientation provides the student with hands on training utilizing the client agency's photographic equipment. Once completed, the student will have a thorough understanding of basic photographic principles as well as a good working knowledge of the camera equipment that the student will be working on a day to day basis.

Scene Sketching & Diagramming

3 Day Program

The techniques used in collecting the information needed in preparing crime scene diagrams are reviewed and discussed. Students learn basic drawing skills that will allow them to work through crime scene diagrams - from field sketches to finished drawings.

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Writing Effective Evidence Reports

2 Day Program

Students develop written communication skills to prepare reports that are logical, concise and accurate. Students will be given exercises requiring them to complete brief written reports which will then be evaluated.

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