This course provides crime scene technicians, detectives, and police officers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the interpretation and reconstruction of events at a scene of a crime, as well as the proper collection, preservation, and packaging of evidence. Participants will also learn best practices for crime scene investigation and documentation to ensure the most accurate and thorough report of the scene.
Understanding the significance of physical evidence at a crime scene is critical, as its relevance may only become clear as an investigation progresses. This course emphasizes the importance of:
- Properly interpreting and mentally reconstructing the scene before any evidence is recovered, removed, or disturbed.
- Crime Scene Management is needed for different types of major scenes.
- Preventing alterations to the scene due to lack of training, carelessness, or oversight, ensuring that vital evidence is collected, packaged and preserved for legal proceedings.
Day 1: Foundations of Crime Scene Investigation
- Instructor and student introductions
- Course overview
- Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation and initial scene assessment
- Homework Assignment: Bring five different items to process for fingerprint analysis
Day 2: Scene Processing Techniques
- Roles & Responsibilities in crime scene investigations
- Crime Scene Search and Sketching
- Latent Print Processing – Fingerprint detection and collection methods
- Crime Scene Photography – Techniques for documenting evidence effectively
- Homework Assignment: Prepare a detailed diagram of your residence
Day 3: Evidence Handling & Scene Documentation
- Comprehensive Documentation of the Crime Scene
- Crime Scene Management Strategies
- DNA, Trace, and Firearms Evidence Collection
- Proper Evidence Collection, Packaging, and Preservation
Day 4: Specialized Investigations & Practical Application
- Investigating Violent Crimes & Financial Crimes
- Chain of Custody & Legal Considerations
- Evidence Identification and Documentation
- Mock Crime Scene – Practical Exercise
Day 5: Practical Assessments & Course Completion
- Mock Crime Scene Investigation – Hands-on application of learned techniques
- Mock Crime Scene Presentation – Team-based evidence documentation and review
- Final Written Examination
