Instructor: Sharon Plotkin, EDD, CCSI
Course length: 32 hours
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Trace evidence is defined as minute quantities and applies in the forensics field, and Locard’s Exchange Principle refers to the transfer of material of physical evidence that is small (Ogle & Plotkin, 2018). Locating, documenting, and examination of trace evidence requires instrumentation for these minute pieces of evidence. Despite the challenges of trace evidence in linking specific individuals to crime scenes and one another through individual characteristics, the importance of class evidence is its ability to clear or exonerate suspects quickly and effectively.
The purpose of this 4-day Discovering Trace Evidence workshop is to introduce attendees to the importance of trace evidence such as hair, fibers, soil, paint, accelerants, glass, and gunshot residue in crime scene investigations and to explore the ability to successfully locate this evidence through tools such as alternate light sources, document this evidence through advanced photographic techniques, and effectively collect this evidence for submission to the lab for analysis. Power points, lectures, interactive activities, and many hands-on labs will be implemented throughout the workshop to ensure all objectives are met. LEARNING GOALS At the completion of this 4-day workshop, attendees will have been introduced to the importance of trace evidence as valuable minute evidence on crime scenes, and the tools and equipment necessary for the documentation and collection of this evidence. SCHEDULE:
This course is approved for 32 hours of certification/recertification by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board. |
Holding Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, and an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology, Sharon Plotkin is currently seeking a doctoral degree in education. Sharon has received specialized training in various fields of crime scene investigations, including bloodstain reconstruction, photography, crime scene reconstruction, fingerprinting, shoe wear casting and other various topics. She is certified in crime scene investigations and has been doing crime scene work for almost 21 years. |