Forensic Investigation w/Death Investigation & Photography

With the cooperation of the Blue Ash Police Department Sirchie is offering its comprehensive hands-on Forensic Investigation Training at the Blue Ash Fire Department (North Station).

This 5-day course covers state-of-the-art methods of identifying, recording, processing and preserving various types of evidence found at the scene of the crime. The program is geared for Hands-on use of equipment, materials and supplies necessary for a thorough and comprehensive forensic investigation mission.

CURRICULUM

Forensic Investigation (Evidence Discovery, Collection, Processing & Preservation)

The goals and objectives of the Crime Scene Investigator is the collection, preservation, packaging, transportation, and documentation of physical evidence left at the crime scene. With this evidence, a connection can be made between the victim, the scene, and the perpetrator of the crime. The base goal of this course is establishing methods and best practices for assessing, developing, collecting, and preserving the physical evidence. Attendees learn proper set-up and crime scene documentation including photography and evidence marking / identification. Through lecture and practical exercises, proper methods are taught for discovery and lifting of latent fingerprints using powders, applicators, tape, chemicals, and other tools. Footprint and footwear evidence, often overlooked, is reviewed and methods for search and recovery are taught. Discovery and sampling of biological evidence, so critical in today’s forensic investigations for its DNA content, is reviewed with practical exercises with best practices for collection and preservation. Attendees also learn the proper packaging and preservation of various types of evidence, including bagging, boxing, labeling, and other methods. The course covers the forensic toolbox and the factors that lead to choosing certain methods.

• Crime scene documentation: photography, marking, logging
• Evidence collection: types, proper packaging, documentation
• Latent print development: fingerprint powders, applicators, chemicals, lifting devices
• Biological fluids including blood: search, discovery, testing, sampling
• Footwear impressions: search, development, collection

Death Investigation (Documenting and Collecting Key Evidence from Scene to Autopsy)

With only approximately 60% of the 20,000+ murders occurring annually being “solved”, and many times that number of equivocal deaths requiring an investigation by law enforcement, this module (block of instruction?) is designed to provide the necessary knowledge to resolve even the most complex death investigations, including child, elderly, asphyxia, fire, firearms, fall, crushing, thermal, high velocity, motor vehicle, and sharp and blunt force deaths.

Attendees receive a block of instruction on forensic pathology, the Coroner and Medical Examiner Systems, manner, cause, and mechanism of death. Autopsy and medicolegal death terminology are explained including nuances between a laceration and incise wound, various blunt force trauma including differing types of fractures, and common causes for each type of wound. Firearms injuries are explored and explained including the differences in distances that can help determine whether a witness’s account is truthful or not. Time of death and post-mortem interval and other forensic concepts are discussed throughout the course.

Forensic anthropology and entomology instruction are included as it pertains to identification of found remains, skeletal trauma identification, grave recovery, and what insect activity must be observed and documented for a proper review by the forensic anthropologist and entomologist.

Advanced Photography (Forensic Investigation Techniques including ALS, UV and IR)

Photography is used to document most crime scenes today, yet only the most basic techniques are sometimes utilized missing possible key evidence or not providing the true story of the crime scene or evidence. Moving beyond this, attendees of this instruction module learn how to properly document in the preferred – manual mode, and learn to control the exposure triangle in various situations using techniques that reveal evidence once hidden. Utilizing the triangle, dark scenes, shadows, and bright ambient light can all be overcome with specific techniques to show the scene as the investigator sees it.

Attendees through hands on exercises using DSLR cameras and various lenses combined with filters explore various lighting possibilities, using a variety of alternate light sources and filters to build contrast and reveal pattern evidence. Light sources outside the visible spectrum, such as ultra-violet and infrared, reveal body fluids and pattern evidence of gun shot residue and bodily fluids not visible to the naked eye. The camera is shown to be a tool to gather much more evidence than can be seen or documented with any other method.

Enrollment

Minimum enrollment will be 18 students with a maximum enrollment of 25 students. The cost per student is $650.00. All materials, supplies and equipment will be supplied by Sirchie. Students will be responsible for their own transportation and related per diem expenses.

Individuals interested in attending must register on-line with Sirchie in accordance with the instruction below no later than 5 days prior to the class, Sirchie reserves the right to cancel this class if the minimum number (18) students has not been met.

Students can register for the class by logging onto Sirchie’s website at http://www.sirchie.com/training.html. Off-site classes must be paid by credit card or the issuance of your departments purchase order. If you have any questions, please call Sirchie Education and Training at (800) 356-7311 or (919) 554-2244.

For more info contact:

Sergeant Dane Baumgartner
Desk: 513-745-6223
Dispatch: 513-745-8555
Email: dbaumgartner@BlueAsh.com