John Volek is a Police Lieutenant with the Sugar Land Police Department in Texas, where he currently serves as the commander of the Office of Internal Affairs.  With more than 35 years of law enforcement experience, John has dedicated his career to criminal investigations, crime scene operations, police leadership, instructor development, and forensic evidence recovery.

Throughout his law enforcement career, John has served in numerous specialized assignments, including patrol operations, field training, crime scene investigations, tactical operations, police training, and supervisory leadership.  He is a Texas Master Peace Officer and a certified Police Instructor who has trained law enforcement professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

John has developed a strong reputation for his expertise in forensic evidence recovery using metal detectors.  As an instructor with Tri-Tech Forensics, he teaches Crime Scene Metal Detector Operations, a comprehensive hands-on course that equips investigators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to locate buried, concealed, and submerged evidence.  His instruction combines proven search methodologies with realistic field exercises designed to replicate actual crime scene conditions.

What distinguishes John's instruction is his extensive real-world experience.  For more than 25 years, he has specialized in forensic and recovery operations involving firearms, shell casings, knives, projectiles, vehicles, jewelry, and other metallic evidence.  His experience includes evidence recovery in urban environments, wooded terrain, waterways, and underwater search operations as a certified SCUBA diver.  Every course is built around techniques refined through decades of actual investigations rather than theoretical concepts alone.

In addition to his law enforcement career, John is the owner of Houston Metal Detecting Services, where he provides professional forensic evidence recovery, underwater search and recovery, buried property searches, and high-value lost property recovery throughout Texas and beyond.  He continues to evaluate and incorporate emerging search technologies that enhance investigative capabilities, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for search planning and scene documentation.  John is currently pursuing his FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification as part of his ongoing commitment to expanding the use of advanced technologies in forensic search operations.  His work also includes the integration of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology for underwater search and recovery, expanding the ability to safely locate, document, and recover submerged evidence in challenging environments.  His investigative approach emphasizes systematic search planning, scene preservation, proper evidence handling, and thorough documentation — the same principles expected during professional crime scene investigations.

John has instructed hundreds of investigators representing municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, state law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, and search and rescue organizations.  His students consistently leave with practical techniques they can immediately apply in the field, whether searching for shell casings after an officer-involved shooting, locating buried weapons, recovering submerged evidence, or processing large outdoor crime scenes.

John remains actively engaged in law enforcement while continuing to advance the field of forensic evidence recovery through instruction, research, and practical application.  His mission is straightforward: provide investigators with proven, field-tested techniques that improve evidence recovery, strengthen criminal investigations, and help bring successful resolution to cases.

Student Testimonials

I have been a CSI for 9 ½ years. I have processed hundreds of shooting scenes. (The instructor), Sgt. Volek, has taught me valuable tips to better recover ballistic evidence on crime scenes. Regardless of your experience, I highly recommend this course. This course will give you the confidence you need while utilizing your metal detector on shooting scenes.
- A. Clate CSI

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(The instructor), John (Volek) was wonderful.  I know he asked for some negative feed so he can make his course better.  Unfortunately, I don’t have any to provide.  I thought John was great, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be around.  The love and passion he has for what he does really shows.​
- B. Coghlan

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Great class.  Allows the operator the added capabilities to better understand the use of metal detection devices and their applications in a CSI/law enforcement environment.​
- Det. D. Rosario CSI

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I thoroughly enjoyed this class.  I’ve used my metal detector before and I have found guns, shell casings, and knives.  But it was painstaking, and honestly more about luck than skill or knowledge.  Now that I have attended the course, I feel much more comfortable and competent when using my equipment.  I know that this will help me locate more evidence, and much more quickly and efficiently.  Very fun class.​
- Katherine B.

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(It was) a course that was relevant, hands on, and practical that can help a new person to metal detecting and also help a person like me with prior metal detecting knowledge.  Great teaching.  (The instructor is) very knowledgeable on metal detecting and how it relates to law enforcement.  Answered all questions that were asked, even from me who has prior metal detecting knowledge.  (I'd suggest offering) more of these classes and to be able to have these classes throughout the country (Northeast), and maybe also an advanced class if needed.​
- J. Burkhart