Photography is essential to crime scene documentation, and it is imperative for investigators to understand how to take the best photograph to capture the scene or the evidence. This is an introductory 24-hour class to photography that covers basic nomenclature of photography equipment and its functions, lens types, and auxiliary attachments. The class covers exposure, metering, depth of field, night/low light photography, and basic flash photography. Students will learn to use the different modes (Auto/Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, and Manual). The course consists of didactic portions but mostly hands-on practice. One session will be scheduled later in the day to allow for nighttime and low light photography practice.

Required equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera (preferably with P, Av (A), Tv (S), M, and Bulb modes) with zoom or kit lens, tripod, external flash, shutter release cable, flashlight.

This workshop focuses on the essential photography skills needed for crime scene investigators. Whether you are a novice or looking to refresh your skills, this interactive course is designed for you. Topics will include but not limited to:

• Getting to know your camera

• Cameras and sensor types

• Composition and framing

• Exposure and the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO)

• Using Manual mode

• Depth of field

• Metering

• Basic low light/night photography

• Using the different camera modes: Shutter priority, Aperture Priority, Manual

• Basics of flash photography

The workshop will include practical exercises so attendees are encouraged to have a digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) on hand. The camera should have Shutter Priority (S or Tv), Aperture Priority (A or Av), and Manual (M) mode. Attendees are also encouraged to have a tripod, release cord, and a flash (preferably an external flash unit).

The goal of this 40-hour class is to combine the fundamentals of photography and its application to crime scene documentation. The course covers exposure, metering, depth of field, night/low light photography, and flash photography. Students will be familiarized with the camera and its functions, lens types, and auxiliary attachments. Throughout the course, students will be taught how to properly document a crime scene and evidence present in the scene using overall, midrange, and close-up photography. The course will include classroom presentations, hands-on exercises, and mock scenes. At the end of the course, students should understand camera mechanics, know how to photo using various camera modes, be familiar with low light photography, and be able to demonstrate basic crime scene photography techniques.

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Required equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera (preferably with P, Av (A), Tv (S), M, and Bulb modes), tripod, external flash, shutter release cable, flashlight

This is a 3-day course built for forensic professionals who want to go beyond the basics. You'll dig into the science and technique behind flash exposure, off-camera flash, and high speed sync, then move into more specialized areas including alternate light source documentation, Bluestar and luminol photography, laser trajectory photography, and photographing people for subject examinations including victims, suspects, and officers alike. Each session designed around hands-on practice. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of why your images look the way they do, and exactly how to make them better.

Required equipment: DSLR or mirrorless camera (preferably with P, Av (A), Tv (S), M, and Bulb modes) with zoom or kit lens, tripod, external flash, shutter release cable, flashlight.

Fingerprint evidence is crucial in a crime scene investigation. This course is designed to teach students the methods and techniques of powder processing for latent fingerprints in the field. The course will cover general history of fingerprints and the biology of the friction ridge skin, searching techniques, and development techniques using different types of powder, collection, and documentation of latent print evidence. The course will include classroom lectures/discussions, and practical exercises. Students will complete a mock scene and practice testifying to their collection of fingerprint evidence.

Public speaking is a daunting task even for the most extroverted person. Testifying in court, where every word is recorded, can be even more challenging. This introductory class is focused on providing techniques that help expert witnesses become more effective communicators. This workshop-style class will allow students an opportunity to practice public speaking, and receive instant feedback. This course includes a moot court practice to prepare the student for likely scenarios during testimony and cross examination.

Recommended materials: Agency specific policy and guidelines for crime scene processing and documentation, report writing guidelines, notes pages samples, and report page samples