|
Advanced Crime Scene Investigations
This course is designed to assist the
experienced crime scene investigator in determining which processing
techniques will provide the best results in obtaining evidence from scenes
and items. Students will use techniques and methods to process, photograph,
recover and package evidence in a manner consistent with established legal
and departmental requirements.
The students will be provided a Training
Manual©,
visual and verbal instructions and demonstrations of proper techniques in
the processing and photographing of evidence and scenes.
Students are expected to participate in class
discussion, skills demonstrations and through related personal experience.
They will also be able to practice the techniques learned in the processing
of items for latent fingerprints and scenes. Students will complete this
training with a working knowledge of current techniques and processes.
Finally, they will be able to identify scenes, evidence and have sufficient
training materials available for reference.
Students will need to have completed a basic
crime scene course and be familiar with basic processing and documenting
techniques. Students should have a 35mm camera with tripod and shutter
release cable and capable of being set on a bulb setting. Students can also
bring their own processing kits.
Course Description
Advanced Crime Scene and Identification
At a crime scene, the perpetrator either
leaves something at a scene or removes something already there with him.
This is known as the Locards Theory of Transfer.
The purpose of a crime scene investigation
is:
1. To document the scene itself by:
·
Still Photography
·
Video Photography
·
Diagrams
·
Detailed Notes and Reports
2. To gather all pertinent evidence including
but not limited to:
·
Blood and Tissue Samples
·
Trace Evidence
·
Physical Evidence
·
Ballistic Evidence
·
Latent Fingerprints
·
Semen
·
Chemicals
·
Explosives
3. To Process for Latent Print Evidence
including:
·
Fingerprints
·
Footprints
·
Lip or Ear Prints
·
Tooth Impressions
·
Tire Impressions
·
Footwear Impressions
4. To Attend Autopsy for the Purpose of:
·
Documenting Injuries
·
Documenting Findings
·
Recover Evidence from the
Body of a Victim
·
Learn Cause and Manner Of
Death
5. To Reconstruct the Actions of the Victim
and Perpetrator Prior to, During and After the Criminal Event
6. To Render Conclusions Based on the Factual
Evidence or Lack Thereof.
7. To Submit Evidence for Laboratory Testing.
8. To Testify in Court
The mental framework that makes crime scene
investigation enjoyable involves curiosity, careful observation, discipline
in recording events and ferreting out underlying irregularities;
regularities in what one sees, hears and discovers. It requires the humility
to learn from other investigators coupled with enough skepticism and open
mindedness to reject beliefs not supported by fact.
The chief duty of a Crime Scene Analyst is to
endeavor to arrange and collate numerous individual events; details and
observations, which present themselves, in an order that may become a part
of a comprehensive picture. Creating a hypothesis based on physical evidence
of the actions of the victims and suspects before, during and after a
criminal event. The analyst will also present those findings to a layperson,
juror and other investigators in a form consistent with their level of
understanding and comprehension since they are the ultimate decider of facts
in all cases.
Course Schedule:
Day 1
-
Introduction and Overview of Crime Scene Duties and Responsibilities
-
Crime Scene Management Techniques
-
Crime Scene Documenting Using Computers
-
Crime Scene Photography
-
Alternate Light Sources
-
Fluorescent Powders and Dyes
-
Off-Site Homework Assignment
Day 2
-
Gun Bluing Techniques
-
Casting of Impression Evidence, Tools, Tire Tracks, Footwear and Bite
Marks
-
Developing Latent Prints
-
Collection and Preservation of Insects
-
Case Study and Review
Day 3
-
Developing Latent Prints
-
Practical
-
Lab Work By Students
Day 4
-
Firearms and Trajectory, Strings vs. Lasers
-
Overview of Buried Bodies and Surface Skeletons Cases
-
Overview Forensic Odontologist Responsibilities
-
Overview Forensic Entomologist Responsibilities
-
Course Critique
-
Written Examination
-
Evaluation
|