The initial response to the crime scene and its investigation will often dictate whether or not the crime being investigated will be solved. The Crime Scene Investigations course will prepare the student with improving his or her skills in documenting scenes, identifying, processing and collecting evidence from the scene, and will begin to prepare them to testify as to their findings. The course is intended for basic to intermediate level investigators and technicians who have limited on-the-job experience. New personnel and those currently working in the field of crime scene investigations for less than two years will benefit most from this course.
Topics will be presented in a lecture format that will be immediately followed by hands-on exercises that reinforce the learning of material presented in the lectures. Photography is an integral part of documenting a crime scene and the processing of evidence. Photography will be used throughout the week for all hands-on exercises. All photographs will be critiqued after each exercise. Each student will be required to bring a digital camera with lenses and tripod that they use at their department along with a high intensity flashlight.
The following topics will be covered:
Investigative equipment
Photographic and lighting equipment
Camera – manual mode, depth of field, ISO, file size, tripod
Low light photography painting with light
Steps investigating a crime scene from beginning to final walk through
Scene diagramming
Processing a vehicle
Processing blood scenes using Amido Black, Leuco Crystal Violet and Bluestar
Types of bloodstain patterns found at crime scenes and what made them
The use of phenolphthalein
Collection of DNA
Investigation of cleaned up crime scenes
Processing evidence using superglue, powder, ninhydrin
Footwear evidence – locating, documenting and processing
Casting footwear / tire impressions using dental stone
Creating shoe and tire exemplars for examination by an analyst
