Classes Offered
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General Forensics Class Descriptions(Not all classes run every semester) |
Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - FRN 7816 (40 Hours)
This is a course designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians and others practicing bloodstain pattern analysis. The course will enhance basic skills and develop advanced skills used in complex scenes. Additionally, students will be given an opportunity to practice their observation and analysis skills and see how to properly present findings in court.
This is a course designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians and others practicing bloodstain pattern analysis. The course will enhance basic skills and develop advanced skills used in complex scenes. Additionally, students will be given an opportunity to practice their observation and analysis skills and see how to properly present findings in court.
Instructor: Ross Gardner
Pre-requisite Basic Crime Scene Academy (or equivalent experience)
This centerpiece 40 hour AAAF course introduces the concepts and techniques of comprehensive crime scene processing and the “science behind the scene.” This hands-on workshop provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, collect and preserve evidence from a crime scene. Participants will learn all of the elements of crime scene processing including forensic photography, investigative principles and related legal issues. Lessons are reinforced with hands-on practice with equipment. Participants will process crime scenes and support findings in mock court. This course focuses on the evidentiary significance of biological material discovered at a crime scene. The course emphasizes the use of technology to resolve crimes. Study will include the use of alternate light sources, trace evidence, forensic serology
Instructor: TBA
Advanced Fingerprint Comparison - FRN 7820 (40 Hours)
This is an advanced and detailed course on analyzing, comparing, evaluating and verifying known and unknown fingerprints. This course is designed to expand the knowledge of students that already have a basic understanding of fingerprint comparison and identification.
This is an advanced and detailed course on analyzing, comparing, evaluating and verifying known and unknown fingerprints. This course is designed to expand the knowledge of students that already have a basic understanding of fingerprint comparison and identification.
Instructor: TBA
Advanced Fire Investigation - FRN 7850 (40 Hours)
This course will provide students with practical advanced forensic techniques for the fire investigator. Students will participate in a 5-day course that covers ventilation effects on fire behavior, crime scene processing, fire fatality processing, photography and more. Students will participate in the investigation of an actual fire scene that will require advanced crime scene processing. Students enrolling in the course must have completed an Introduction to Fire Investigation course and have practical field experience in fire investigation. Students must bring their department issued personal protective equipment. Students will also need to bring their department issued camera for the photography course and scene processing. This class will be limited to 24 students.
This course will provide students with practical advanced forensic techniques for the fire investigator. Students will participate in a 5-day course that covers ventilation effects on fire behavior, crime scene processing, fire fatality processing, photography and more. Students will participate in the investigation of an actual fire scene that will require advanced crime scene processing. Students enrolling in the course must have completed an Introduction to Fire Investigation course and have practical field experience in fire investigation. Students must bring their department issued personal protective equipment. Students will also need to bring their department issued camera for the photography course and scene processing. This class will be limited to 24 students.
Instructor: Jack Kennedy
Advanced Shooting Reconstruction - FRN 7821 (40 Hours)
This course introduces the student to the most current methods of shooting reconstruction. Students will apply principles of trigonometry in determining angles of impact, ballistic trajectory and muzzle to target distance. Using laser trajectory devices, students will learn to document photographs and reenact shooting scenes. Students will be introduced to the methods used by firearms and tool mark examiners in the examination of large caliber fired bullets such as .45 caliber, various rifle and various shot shell components. In addition, various tool marks including pry bars, screwdrivers, knives and cutting type tools will also be studied. This course adds to the techniques used in the basic shooting reconstruction course while providing more lab and practical exercises along with a courtroom testimony portion. This course will also explore the reconstruction of shooting incidents, including determinations of the range, direction of fire and the identification of gunshot residues
This course introduces the student to the most current methods of shooting reconstruction. Students will apply principles of trigonometry in determining angles of impact, ballistic trajectory and muzzle to target distance. Using laser trajectory devices, students will learn to document photographs and reenact shooting scenes. Students will be introduced to the methods used by firearms and tool mark examiners in the examination of large caliber fired bullets such as .45 caliber, various rifle and various shot shell components. In addition, various tool marks including pry bars, screwdrivers, knives and cutting type tools will also be studied. This course adds to the techniques used in the basic shooting reconstruction course while providing more lab and practical exercises along with a courtroom testimony portion. This course will also explore the reconstruction of shooting incidents, including determinations of the range, direction of fire and the identification of gunshot residues
Instructor: Don Mikko
Basic Crime Scene Academy - FRN 7815 (80 Hours)
This centerpiece AAAF course introduces the concepts and techniques of comprehensive crime scene processing and the “science behind the scene.” This hands-on workshop provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, collect and preserve evidence from a crime scene. Participants will learn all of the elements of crime scene processing including forensic photography, investigative principles and related legal issues. Lessons are reinforced with hands-on practice with equipment. Participants will process crime scenes and support findings in mock court.
This centerpiece AAAF course introduces the concepts and techniques of comprehensive crime scene processing and the “science behind the scene.” This hands-on workshop provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, collect and preserve evidence from a crime scene. Participants will learn all of the elements of crime scene processing including forensic photography, investigative principles and related legal issues. Lessons are reinforced with hands-on practice with equipment. Participants will process crime scenes and support findings in mock court.
Instructors: Calvin Jackson, and Greg Rodgers
This hands-on workshop is designed to familiarize the crime scene detective/technician with the basic requirements of crime scene photography. This workshop focuses on basic operation of the camera how to use digital photography, and how to use tamper proof software to protect digital images.
Instructor: Buren Foster
This five day workshop provides the basic skills needed to effectively compare and identify recovered fingerprints with file fingerprints. Students will be presented with a variety of poor quality, partial prints, and rolled fingerprints for comparison with known fingerprint impressions. Students will use minutiae to make positive identifications.
Instructor: TBA
This course introduces the student to the most current methods of shooting reconstruction. Students will apply principles of trigonometry in determining angles of impact, ballistic trajectory and muzzle to target distance. Using laser trajectory devices, student will learn to document, photograph and reenact shooting scenes.
Instructor: Don Mikko
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis - FRN 7813 (40 Hours)
This hands-on workshop focuses on the physical dynamics of liquid blood: the patterns created when it strikes various surfaces and the method of stain creation. Students learn the skills necessary to reconstruct a violent incident involving bloodstains and how to relate it to the participants. Students also learn to properly identify, collect and preserve blood evidence for laboratory examination.
This hands-on workshop focuses on the physical dynamics of liquid blood: the patterns created when it strikes various surfaces and the method of stain creation. Students learn the skills necessary to reconstruct a violent incident involving bloodstains and how to relate it to the participants. Students also learn to properly identify, collect and preserve blood evidence for laboratory examination.
Instructor: Ross Gardner
Buried Body Recovery - FRN 7925 (24 Hours)
Criminals often attempt to dispose of human remains by burying them in the ground or covering them with leaves, wood or stones. Proper processing of these scenes generally requires the particular expertise of an experienced death investigator or a forensic anthropologist. This course will be instructed by a forensic anthropologist and will provide hands-on demonstrations and practical experience needed to develop the skills to fully process outdoor scenes involving buried human remains.
Criminals often attempt to dispose of human remains by burying them in the ground or covering them with leaves, wood or stones. Proper processing of these scenes generally requires the particular expertise of an experienced death investigator or a forensic anthropologist. This course will be instructed by a forensic anthropologist and will provide hands-on demonstrations and practical experience needed to develop the skills to fully process outdoor scenes involving buried human remains.
Instructor: TBA
Case Documentation & Testimony - FRN 7819 (24 Hours)
This course focuses on building criminal cases using physical evidence, scene documentation, witness testimony, suspect interviews and interrogation. Students will perform court testimonials and act out mock criminal trials with the guidance of real defense and district attorneys.
This course focuses on building criminal cases using physical evidence, scene documentation, witness testimony, suspect interviews and interrogation. Students will perform court testimonials and act out mock criminal trials with the guidance of real defense and district attorneys.
Instructor: TBA
Chemical Detection of Blood Evidence - FRN 7805 (8 Hours)
This one-day, hands-on workshop is designed for the crime scene technician and/or detective who cannot leave his or her unit for extended periods of time. The workshop focuses on the use of chemicals to detect the presence of trace amounts of blood evidence. Participants will also learn to use presumptive blood tests for the identification of blood.
This one-day, hands-on workshop is designed for the crime scene technician and/or detective who cannot leave his or her unit for extended periods of time. The workshop focuses on the use of chemicals to detect the presence of trace amounts of blood evidence. Participants will also learn to use presumptive blood tests for the identification of blood.
Instructor: TBA
This two day seminar will focus on the investigation of the death of children. Students will be presented with a variety of scenarios which resulted in the death of a child. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between, accidental, natural (to include SIDS), and non accidental death involving children of all age ranges. Scene investigation, trauma, injuries and burns, the investigation of SIDS, along with working with the Medical Examiner are all discussed in this valuable training class.
Instructor: Lisa Mayhew This one day course will discuss firearm related injuries and distance determinations (both gunshot residues and shotgun pattern analysis). The course will focus on applying various scientific methods, testing protocols, reproduction and comparison of gunpowder and primer residues in order to determine the muzzle-to-garment distance. Additionally, the course will include various firearms related injuries found on bodies and other mediums. This course is a basic course for EMS personnel.
Instructor: Don Mikko
Crime Scene Reconstruction - FRN 7807 (40 Hours)
This practical, intensive, hands-on class requires the student use knowledge from prior investigative courses. Students will process crime scenes with sections that focus on different skill sets. Interpretation of more complex crime scenes will be covered. Students will reconstruct mock scenes with all data and bring everything together for courtroom testimony. This class will cover cold cases and scene reconstruction issues rather than basic crime scene analysis. Basic Crime Scene Academy or similar training would be helpful.
This practical, intensive, hands-on class requires the student use knowledge from prior investigative courses. Students will process crime scenes with sections that focus on different skill sets. Interpretation of more complex crime scenes will be covered. Students will reconstruct mock scenes with all data and bring everything together for courtroom testimony. This class will cover cold cases and scene reconstruction issues rather than basic crime scene analysis. Basic Crime Scene Academy or similar training would be helpful.
Instructor: Cyrus Grover
This three day course will discuss firearm related injuries and distance determinations (both gunshot residues and shotgun pattern analysis). The course will focus on applying various scientific methods, testing protocols, reproduction and comparison of gunpowder and primer residues in order to determine the muzzle-to-garment distance. Additionally, the course will include various firearms related injuries found on bodies and other mediums. Numerous practical exercises and PowerPoint Presentations will be utilized throughout the course.
Instructor: Don Mikko
Flies, Foliage and Features - FRN 7826 (24 Hours)
this course provides students with an in-depth, hands-on workshop that focuses on field investigative techniques. Emphasis is placed on collecting, preserving and interpreting insect evidence, plant evidence and recovery of human remains. Students learn how to manage the outdoor crime scene. This course is instructed by a uniquely qualified team that includes a forensic anthropologist, a forensic botanist and a forensic entomologist.
this course provides students with an in-depth, hands-on workshop that focuses on field investigative techniques. Emphasis is placed on collecting, preserving and interpreting insect evidence, plant evidence and recovery of human remains. Students learn how to manage the outdoor crime scene. This course is instructed by a uniquely qualified team that includes a forensic anthropologist, a forensic botanist and a forensic entomologist.
Instructor: TBA
Forensic Death Investigation - FRN 7926 (16 Hours)
This course provides the crime scene technician or death investigator with the basic knowledge and skills to correctly interpret postmortem human physiology. This seminar focuses on the body at the scene and how to obtain maximum evidence from any injuries and postmortem changes.
This course provides the crime scene technician or death investigator with the basic knowledge and skills to correctly interpret postmortem human physiology. This seminar focuses on the body at the scene and how to obtain maximum evidence from any injuries and postmortem changes.
Instructors: Calvin Jackson,
This course will provide students with knowledge of current forensic evidence collection and preservation techniques and procedures used in the field including a healthcare setting. Rules of Evidence guidelines will be also addressed for courtroom testimony. The students will also learn how to properly secure a crime scene and gather pertinent investigative information that may be used in court. The knowledge and training obtained from this course will provide the information necessary for a basic collaborative working environment between law enforcement, healthcare, attorneys and the judicial system.
Instructor: TBA
Forensic Latent Fingerprint Development - FRN 7811 (36 Hours)
This course introduces the student to a variety of powder and chemical processes. Emphasis will be placed on powder processing, cyanoacrylate fuming, cyanoacrylate dye stains, bloodstains, and chemical processing of porous items. The student will learn to recognize and understand how and when to apply a development technique and the order in which they are applied. The student will also mix each of the chemicals used during the course.
This course introduces the student to a variety of powder and chemical processes. Emphasis will be placed on powder processing, cyanoacrylate fuming, cyanoacrylate dye stains, bloodstains, and chemical processing of porous items. The student will learn to recognize and understand how and when to apply a development technique and the order in which they are applied. The student will also mix each of the chemicals used during the course.
Instructor: TBA
This 40 hour class will teach the fundamentals of fingerprint pattern interpretation and how this information is used to accurately classify, search and file and criminal record. The Henry Classification System remains the backbone of law enforcement record identification. This training is vital for any individual who wishes to pursue a career in police criminal identification. Course work includes arch, loop, and whorl pattern recognition and classification. Students will be able to classify a given set of inked fingerprint impressions and identify the inked impressions against a known standard.
Instructor: Johnny Leonard
This course will provide students with a practical approach to basic fire investigation. Students will participate in a 5-day course that covers fire behavior, building construction, the scientific method, origin and cause determination, interviewing, legal aspects of the fire scene and more. Students will participate in the investigation of an actual room and contents fire. This practical exercise will allow the student to participate in documentation of the scene, photographs, collection of evidence and providing a written report. Instructors will focus on investigating fire scenes with a team concept
Instructor: Jack Kennedy
Introduction to Ultra Violet Infrared Photography -FRN 7841 (16 Hours)
This Online course covers the basic methods of Infrared and Ultraviolet Photography in the areas of Crime Scene, Forensics and Documentation. This includes but not limited to the following applications. Crime Scene Photography, Blood Spatter, Fluid Capture, Latent Prints, Evidence, Obliteration, GSR (Gun Stain Residue), Bite Marks/Bruising, Skin Mapping, Identification/Tattoo, Counterfeit Detection, Surveillance and Dental. This course also covers the various camera, lighting essential equipment required in this type of photography.
This Online course covers the basic methods of Infrared and Ultraviolet Photography in the areas of Crime Scene, Forensics and Documentation. This includes but not limited to the following applications. Crime Scene Photography, Blood Spatter, Fluid Capture, Latent Prints, Evidence, Obliteration, GSR (Gun Stain Residue), Bite Marks/Bruising, Skin Mapping, Identification/Tattoo, Counterfeit Detection, Surveillance and Dental. This course also covers the various camera, lighting essential equipment required in this type of photography.
Instructor: TBA
This 40 hour course combines both lecture and latent palm print exercises. The ACE-V methodology of comparing and identifying latent prints is discussed as it relates to the scientific method. The latent palm print exercises in this course will provide real life case work type experience. Each student should have attended a basic latent fingerprint comparison course first. Palm print points of direction, areas and zones are covered in this class. Major and minor flexion creases along with palm print topography and its use in comparisons are discussed. Palm print orientation and palm print search clues in latent print comparisons are also covered in this great class.
Instructor: Johnny Leonard
Legal Issues of Crime Scene Searches - FRN 7822 (16 Hours)
This course will provide an overview of the legal issues involved in searching and processing crime scenes. Topics covered include: warrantless entries, consent to search, the plain view doctrine, crime scene search warrants, technical issues involved in the processing of crime scenes, including; photographs, fingerprints and blood-spatter interpretation, expert witness qualification. This material will be presented through lecture, case review and practical exercises.
This course will provide an overview of the legal issues involved in searching and processing crime scenes. Topics covered include: warrantless entries, consent to search, the plain view doctrine, crime scene search warrants, technical issues involved in the processing of crime scenes, including; photographs, fingerprints and blood-spatter interpretation, expert witness qualification. This material will be presented through lecture, case review and practical exercises.
Instructor: Greg Rodgers
Medicolegal Death Investigation - FRN 7927 (24 Hours)
This seminar is designed to address the expanded role of the death investigator, providing the basic knowledge and skills to ensure productive and effective death investigations. The seminar focuses on 52 skills critical to the professional investigator covering such topics as scientific knowledge, scene investigations, interaction with other agencies and evidence collection. This course is instructed by four forensic experts including a forensic anthropologist, forensic entomologist, forensic odontologist and a forensic pathologist.
This seminar is designed to address the expanded role of the death investigator, providing the basic knowledge and skills to ensure productive and effective death investigations. The seminar focuses on 52 skills critical to the professional investigator covering such topics as scientific knowledge, scene investigations, interaction with other agencies and evidence collection. This course is instructed by four forensic experts including a forensic anthropologist, forensic entomologist, forensic odontologist and a forensic pathologist.
Instructor: TBA
Photoshop for Crime Scene Investigators - FRN 7918 (24 Hours)
This course provides students with a hands-on approach to enhancing their crime scene photography skills. Students will use digital cameras to photograph physical evidence in a mock crime scene; secure the images using unique software; and develop laboratory and courtroom quality images using enhancement techniques from Photoshop software.
This course provides students with a hands-on approach to enhancing their crime scene photography skills. Students will use digital cameras to photograph physical evidence in a mock crime scene; secure the images using unique software; and develop laboratory and courtroom quality images using enhancement techniques from Photoshop software.
Instructor: Buren Foster
Recovery of Footwear and Tire Track Evidence - FRN 7801 (24 Hours)
In this hands-on course, students will learn how to identify, develop, collect and interpret impression evidence from different types of surfaces and substrates using a variety of techniques.
In this hands-on course, students will learn how to identify, develop, collect and interpret impression evidence from different types of surfaces and substrates using a variety of techniques.
Instructor: TBA
This is a three day course designed for forensic firearm and tool mark examiners, crime scene techni cians, police investigators, police detectives, attorneys, insurance investigators and college students. The course will provide students with the basic, advanced and technical principles of serial number restoration/identification, metallurgical aspects of various alloys and the various methods and techniques associated with the restoration of obliterated serial numbers/markings. The students will learn how to use various restoration methods including chemical, electrolytic and magnetic particle while also learning of the importance of safety and proper laboratory protocols. Additionally, the students will learn about the identification and tracing of firearms recovered in criminal cases and proper documentation along with the completion of the ATF National Tracing Center Form. The course will consist of various classroom lectures and numerous practical exercises involving obliterated/altered serial numbers/markings on firearms; firearm parts and accessories; various types of tools; electronic equipment and other components.
Instructor: TBA
Sexual Assault and Evidence Collection - FRN 7930 (40 Hours)
This four day workshop enhances the skills of the criminal investigator. Focus is placed on scene investigations; child sexual abuse; normal genitalia; forensic evaluation of children and adults; differential diagnosis; sexually transmitted diseases; violence and rape; special settings; and documentation.
This four day workshop enhances the skills of the criminal investigator. Focus is placed on scene investigations; child sexual abuse; normal genitalia; forensic evaluation of children and adults; differential diagnosis; sexually transmitted diseases; violence and rape; special settings; and documentation.
Instructor: TBA
Additional Classes Offered Online
Officer Involved Shooting - FRN 7932 (24 hours)
This course will enhance investigators, CSIs and supervisors’ knowledge of the ability to complete a thorough investigation of an officer involved shooting incident. Multiple shot incidents with multiple shooters are covered along with the basics of shooting reconstruction. In addition, the course covers media, crime lab, politicians and supervisor issues, and pressure involved with this type of investigation. Witness statements, evidence collection, and court preparation are discussed. Instructors cover numerous officer involved shootings from various states along with subject videos, photos and sketches. Trace evidence recognition, cartridge case ejection patterns, and terminal ballistic properties are covered in this 24-hour course.
Instructor: James Gannalo, NYPD Retired
Criminal Profiling for the Violent Crime Scene: Understanding the Behavior Aspects of Violent Crime - FRN 7933 (40 hours)
This unique 40-hour course will provide practical skills for detectives and crime scene investigators in the investigation of complex violent crime. The focus of the instruction will be on the behavioral aspects of offenders, the evidence they leave behind and coordination between CSI and detectives through the completion of the case. The background on behavioral aspects with different murder cases, sexual assaults, arson, and other violent crimes will be covered. The student will evaluate cold cases and cases left with only photographs to work with in reconstructing their case. This intensive course will provide both classroom lectures and realistic mock crime scenes that are real world applicable to both detectives and crime scene investigators.
Instructor: Bo Barton and Paul Larosa, SLED
