General Forensics

FRN 7801 Recovery of Footwear and Tire Track Evidence

Instructor: TBA
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.

FRN 7845 Latent Palm Print Comparison

Instructor: Johnny Leonard
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.

FRN 7847 Intro to IED's & Forensic Evidence

This Online class will cover the basics for Improvised Explosive Devices ( IEDs) that cover police, civilian and military examples. The types of explosives and components are covered. This course covers the effects of explosives and forensic evidence found at the scene. Extensive photos and links to videos for each type of explosive are exhibited. Pipe bombs, letter, brief case and vehicle type bombs are discussed. Lab analysis, residue issues and taggants are covered in this great online class. The class will expand the knowledge of first responders and give all investigators and CSI’s the basic concepts for IED’s and the potential forensic evidence involved.

FRN 7848 Basic Crime Scene for First Responders

This Online course is an introduction to Basic Crime Scene techniques for First Responders along with an overview for other investigators or new police officers. The course covers the functions of a CSI and basic crime scene duties. Crime scene safety and types of personnel at scenes are covered. The types of crime scenes and the various stages of a crime scene investigation are reviewed. There are points for documenting  and examining crime scenes. The course also covered basic evidence collection. Some basic crime scene photography and methods of searching the crime scene are also discussed. This course should be a must for all First Responders. 

FRN 7849 Advanced Fire Investigation

Instructor: Jack Kennedy
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.

FRN 7805 Chemical Detection of Blood Evidence

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.

FRN 7807 Crime Scene Reconstruction

This practical, intensive, hands-on workshop demands the attendee to use knowledge from all prior investigative courses. Participants process one continuous crime scene with sections that focus on different skill sets including forensic fingerprint development, bloodstain pattern documentation and analysis, forensic photography, buried body recovery, forensic entomology and forensic botany and other investigative topics.

FRN 7810 Introduction to Fire Investigation

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

FRN 7811 Forensic Latent Fingerprint Development

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.

 FRN 7812 Basic Fingerprint Comparison

 FRN 7813 Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

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.

FRN 7815 Basic Crime Scene Academy

Instructors:  Calvin Jackson, and Greg Rodgers
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.

FRN 7816 Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Instructor: Ross Gardner
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.

FRN 7818 Shooting Reconstruction

Instructor: Don Mikko
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.

 FRN 7820 Advanced Fingerprint Comparison

Instructor: TBA
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.

FRN 7821 Advanced Shooting Reconstruction

Instructor: Don Mikko
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 toolmark examiners in the examination of large caliber fired bullets such as .45 caliber, various rifle and various shotshell components. In addition, various toolmarks 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

FRN 7822 Legal Issues of Crime Scene Searches

Instructor: Greg Rodgers
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.

 FRN 7826 Flies, Foliage and Features

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.

FRN 7830 Advanced Crime Scene Techniques

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, documenting blood spatter, firearm evidence and evidence involving tool marks, glass and soil.

FRN 7832 Digital Ultra Violet Infrared Photography

This course is designed to enhance and advance the skills and abilities of Forensic/Crime Scene photographers. This course will show you the applications with the Fuji IS Pro or IS1 Ultra Violet Infrared camera to use in the Field or the Lab. This course will show how to apply the Fuji IS Pro or IS1 Ultra Violet Infrared camera dealing with question documents, charred documents, latent fingerprints enhancements, blood evidence, gun shot residue, surveillance, and many other applications. The course will give hands on with the Fuji Ultra Violet Infrared camera to better understand the camera settings, filters, and lighting. The attendants will learner the advantages of using the Ultra Violet Infrared camera compared to the standard camera. Those who attend may choose to bring equipment assigned by their departments or may use equipment provided.

FRN 7918 Photoshop for Crime Scene Investigators

Instructor: Jason Guffey
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.

FRN 7920 Basic Crime Scene Photography

Instructor: Jason Guffey
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.

FRN 7921 Advanced Crime Scene Photography Workshop

Instructor: Jason Guffey
This course is designed to enhance and advance the skills and abilities of crime scene photographers. The class is an intensive hands-on laboratory focusing on photographing various types of evidence under unique conditions. Students learn how to program their cameras to properly capture images and how to properly photograph evidence. Emphasis is placed on photography techniques using forensic light sources and minimal lighting conditions. Students also learn to use computers, Photoshop and other forensic software to assist with image development and protection and record keeping. Students may choose to bring equipment assigned by their departments or may use equipment provided.

FRN 7925 Buried Body Recovery

Instructor: TBA
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.

FRN 7829 Courtroom Testimony for Law Enforcement

Students participate in a mock trial that focuses on the introduction of various types of evidence through different strategies. Instruction is presented by experienced attorneys in a realistic setting. Related case law and case studies are also included.

FRN 7819 Case Documentation & Testimony

Instructor: TBA
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.

FRN 7926 Forensic Death Investigation

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.

FRN 7928 Child Death Investigation

Instructor: Calvin Jackson, Lisa Mayhew
This three 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.

FRN 7833 Forensic Entomology for Law Enforcement

This course introduces the detective and/or crime scene technician to collection and preservation of some of the most valuable evidence recovered from human remains – insects. Attendees become familiar with the unique equipment required to practice techniques used to interpret outdoor scenes and to properly recover and transport insect evidence. Students also analyze the meaning of the presence or absence of certain insects relative to the environment and the use of insects in time-of-death determinations.

FRN 7929 Forensic Pathology Seminar

Whether a death is sudden and unexpected or the result of some criminal act or accident, the death must be investigated. The forensic pathologist should be involved with all these types of cases. During this seminar, a forensic pathologist will discuss, among other topics, the type of support provided by the medical examiner including case interpretation and review, investigation of traumatic deaths, motor vehicle crashes, gunshot wounds and the interpretation of bodily trauma in the adult and child victim.

FRN 7889 Forensic Evidence for CSI

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.

FRN 7927 Medicolegal Death Investigation

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.

FRN 7930 Sexual Assault and Evidence Collection

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.

FRN 7841 Online Introduction to Ultra Violet Infrared 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. 

FRN 7843 Firearms Injuries and Distance Determination Course

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.

FRN 7844 Crime Scene Preservation & Ballistics Injury for EMS

Instructor: Don Mikko, US Army Crime Lab
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.

FRN 7846 Introduction to DNA Evidence for Law Enforcement- The Evidence of the Future-Online

This Online course will provide the law enforcement officer, whether they are patrol, investigators or crime scene personnel with some basic issues and information regarding DNA evidence. The new technology of the future of evidence guides the student through this course which covers finding DNA, contamination issues, transport and protection, databases and uses along with a good overall picture of what DNA is capable of in the world of law enforcement.