POST - Crime Scene Specialist (Basic)
Description: The Crime Scene Specialist Class is an entry-level course designed to provide the new investigator with correct tools to become familiar with the evaluation, preservation, documentation and collection of commonly encountered physical evidence types. If the student does well in the class and continues to practice these skill sets upon graduation, then they can expect to develop proficiency in crime scene processing.
Since the majority of crime scene work is documentation, this is the focus of the course. As such, the student will be required to bring their own SLR camera, tripod and flash with all necessary attachments. (e.g., sync cord, extra batteries, macro lens, etc…) However, the class does not teach entry-level camera use. We use the Nikon D70, and while most cameras are similar, they are different, and we cannot be expected to know everything about every camera. Hence, the student should be very familiar with their camera, its settings and attachments.
It is recommended that a basic photography course be taken prior to attempting this class. It is further recommended that a student bring a digital SLR camera and laptop to this course to aid in the rapid review and verification of photographs.
Minimum Passing Grade: There are four written examinations, which are given at the start of each class (0800) in the morning. The student must have a cumulative score of 70% or higher to pass the class and receive credit. There are multiple lab exercises that the student must complete and have instructor verification (signoff). At the end of this course (Friday) the students will assemble into four teams and each team will process a mock crime scene, demonstrating the skills that they have learned and practiced during the week.
Student Expectations: The student should plan on being very busy and adjust their work schedule to compensate for this class. To do well on the written test, each student will need to study an average of 1-2 hours each night (plus plan on one [night] photography shoot during the week). Optionally, the student may want to practice after class time some of the skills that they learned during the day. This will help the crime scene practical go smoother and lessen the student's anxieties. Remember to have fun and take full advantage of this time to ask questions of the experts teaching this class and practice your newly learned techniques.
Instructors:
Utah BFS Personnel
Address of Lab:
Utah Bureau of Forensic Services
4501 South 2700 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Phone:
Lab – 801-393-4549
Fax – 801-393-4574
Email - bosmith@utah.gov
Class to be taught at : SLCC Miller Campus/ Lab Public Safety Education & Training Center 9750 South 300 W Sandy, UT
Schedule: April 15-19, 2013
Monday
- 8:00-8:15 Registration/Welcome/ Introduction and course overview
- 8:15-9:45 Crime Scene Management
- 9:45-10:00 Break
- 10:00 -11:00 Note taking and Sketching
- 11:00- 12:00 Note taking and Sketching Exercises
- 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:45 Collection/Preservation of Physical Evidence (Packaging, Trace, Blood [KM and swabbing], Documentation and collection of firearms
- 2:45 – 3:00 Break
- 3:00-5:00 Collection/Preservation of Physical Evidence (Packaging, Trace, Blood [KM and swabbing], Documentation and collection of firearms Lab Exercises
Tuesday
- 8:00 – 8:15 Exam
- 8:15 – 10:00 Camera Basics and Lab Exercises
- 10:00—10:15 Break
- 10:15—12:00 Camera Basics and Lab Exercises
- 12:00—1:00 Lunch
- 1:00—3:00 Crime Scene Photography
- 3:00—3:15 Break
- 3:15—4:30 Crime Scene Photography Exercises
- 4:30 – 6:00 Dinner Break
- 6:00 – 8:00 Night shoot
Wednesday
- 8:00 – 8:15Exam
- 8:15 – 9:30 Review of Photos w/ Class
- 9:30 – 9:45 Break
- 9:45 – 10:45 Paint
- 10:45 – 12:00 Fibers
- 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch (Review of Photos)
- 1:00 – 1:45 Fire Debris
- 1:45 – 2:30 Bloodstain Patterns (Documentation, Photography, etc.)
- 2:30 – 3:30 Bloodstain Pattern Lab Exercises
- 3:30 – 3:45 Break
- 3:45 – 5:00 Blood Enhancements and Lab Exercises
Thursday
- 8:00 – 8:15Exam
- 8:15 – 9:30 Fingerprints
- 09:30 – 09:45Break
- 09:45 – 10:45 Physical Development and Lifting of Fingerprints
- 10:45 – 12:00 Fingerprint Lab
- 12:00 – 1:00Lunch
- 1:00 – 3:00Footwear/Tire
- 3:00 – 3:15Break
- 3:15 – 5:00 Documentation of Footwear/Tire Lab Exercises
Friday
- 8:00 – 8:15 Final Exam
- 8:15 – 12:00 Crime Scene Practical
- 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00Crime Scene Practical Wrap-up
- 2:00 – 5:00Crime Scene Practical Presentations and Reviews
Student Notes:
For R.S.V.P., payment and general class information please contact
Bo Smith at bosmith@utah.gov or 801-393-4549
Utah Bureau of Forensic Services
Crime Scene Specialist Training
Basic and Advanced Crime Scene Registration
Name________________________________________________________________________________
Agency_______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
Email________________________________ Phone number _________________________________
Please Check Applicable Class(s)
_____ Basic April 15-19, 2013
_____ Advanced May 13-17, 2013
The cost of the class is $250.00 each or $400.00 for both. Please send check to:
Department of Public Safety
Utah Bureau of Forensic Services 2nd Floor
4501 South 2700 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Prerequisites:
1. Submittal of an application and materials fee.
2. A willingness to devote the entire week to the study of crime scene processing is imperative. There is very little resource for makeups, so the student should plan on being at the class for the entire week.
3. A camera (SLR) – not a point and shoot.
Max enrollment: (16)
| Course Dates | Location | TIme | Status |
| February 27- March 2, 2012 | Location Unified State Laboratories Public Health 4431 S 2700 W Salt Lake City, UT 84119 |
0800 | Completed |
| April 15-19, 2013 | POST SLCC Miller Campus/ Lab
Public Safety Education & Training Center 410 West 9800 South, Sandy |
0800 | Completed |
Last updated: December 19, 2012 3:48 PM
[Last Update - Friday, 17-May-2013 09:30:30 MDT]