Please note that training or courses offered in this section are not sponsored by the IAI but are listed as a service to members and others who access this site. The IAI does not certify or approve the courses or material presented in this section. For more information about a particular course, please contact the course provider.
The classes are listed in chronological order. Click on the title to view the details of the class.
2008
- Crime Scene Digital Photography
- Discovery and Recovery: Death Investigation in Natural Environments
- Video Capture, Enhancement & Analysis
- Visions 2008 Forensic Digital Imaging Symposium
- Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 21st Annual Forensic Anthropology Course
- Detection, Recovery and Examination of Footwear Impression Evidence
- Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy in Forensic Laboratories
- Forensic Digital Imaging, Phase II
- Forensic Photography and Imaging
- Footprints & Shoe Prints Seminar
- Tire Impression and Tire Track Evidence: Recovery and Examination
- Intermediate Digital Imaging
- Forensic Shooting Scene Reconstruction Course
- 2nd International Workshop on Computational Forensics
- Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- FBI Forensic Facial Imaging Course
- Investigative Photography Workshop
- Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop
- Second International Conference on Forensic Applications and Techniques in Telecommunications, Information and Multimedia (e-Forensics 2009)
Crime Scene Digital Photography
May 19 - 22, 2008
Institute for Forensic Imaging
338 S. Arlington, Suite 111
Indianapolis, IN 46219
This course teaches law enforcement officers how to document a crime scene with high-quality photographs and video. Students will learn the basics of photography and use digital and video cameras to document mock crime scenes. Lectures, discussions, and practical exercises help students put specific techniques into practice.
This course is accredited by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for 3.2 Continuing Education Training Units.
Contact: Kristy Trumpey--(317) 356-0245
Website: www.ifi-indy.org
Discovery and Recovery: Death Investigation in Natural Environments
May 19 - 23, 2008
Raleigh, NC
Presented by NC Program for Forensic Sciences
This course is designed for professionals and advanced students and will cover the discovery, recovery, and documentation of anthropological/archaeological, entomological, and fibers/textiles evidence. Participants will receive North Carolina State University CEU credit as well as a North Carolina Justice Academy Certificate. The lecture part of the course will be held at the College of Textiles on Centennial Campus and the field exercises will be held at the Lake Wheeler Research Farm. Rooms are available at a reduced rate from University Housing. http://ncsu.edu/housing/conferences/guests/
Registration Fee: $600 does not include Transportation or room and board.
For a brochure please visit our website: http://sasw.chass.ncsu.edu/forensic/
Contact:
Ann H. Ross, Ph.D.
NC State University
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Campus Box 8107
Phone: 919-515-9021
E-mail: ann_ross@ncsu.edu
Video Capture, Enhancement & Analysis
June 3 - 5, 2008
Institute for Forensic Imaging
338 S. Arlington, Suite 111
Indianapolis, IN 46219
This course, by conference, demonstration and practical “hands-on” training, teaches how to capture, enhance and analyze both analog and digital video through the use of a video imaging workstation. CrimeVision, Adobe Premiere, Adobe PhotoShop and special video tools developed by the institute are used to edit and extract data from both the still and video digital images for analysis. Use and selection of equipment for efficient video capture, enhancement and analysis are covered in detail.
This course is accredited by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for 2.4 Continuing Education Training Units.
Contact: Kristy Trumpey--(317) 356-0245
Website: www.ifi-indy.org
Visions 2008 Forensic Digital Imaging Symposium
June 3 - 6, 2008
Join the York Regional Police Forensic Identification Unit, in partnership with Ontario Police College and Seneca College, for the Visions 2008 Forensic Digital Imaging Symposium. This highly specialized digital imaging training will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in your field, and keep you abreast of new developments in digital technology.
Using the latest digital imaging technology, equipment and techniques, top industry experts from the Ontario Police College, Foray Technologies, Brian Dalrymple & Associates and Crime Sciences Inc. will lead sessions on Digital Imaging & Photography Techniques, Image Processing Tips & Techniques, FFT Pattern Removal & Image Subtraction, Standard Operating Procedures Development, Digital Video and it’s relation to Forensics and Law Enforcement, and effective court presentation and mock court as it applies to digital imaging. Also on June 4th & 5th is the Visions 2008 Trade Show, where a variety of exhibitors will be on hand to showcase the latest and greatest products and services of the digital imaging world.
These intensive workshops are beneficial for officers who are new to Forensic Identification, as well as students enrolled in Forensic Science and Digital Imaging programs. A familiarity with Microsoft Windows and a basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is required for some courses.
Registration is $450 per person, with a discount of 10% for two or more individuals attending from an agency. Accommodations are available on-site at Seneca College. Please visit the website for more information and to register.
Contact: Jo-Anne Schnoflak – Forensic Identification, York Regional Police – 905-830-0303 x6402
Website: www.visions2008.ca
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 21st Annual Forensic Anthropology Course
June 9 - 13, 2008
National Transportation Safety Board -- Training Center
Ashburn, VA
CME Credits: Up to 30
This 5-day course uses hands-on lab sessions to teach basic techniques of skeletal analysis. Lectures provide the methodological basis of human osteology and introduce applications used by anthropologists in their work. Forensic pathologists, death investigators, forensic dentists, attorneys and other specialists engaged in multidisciplinary forensic investigations will find this courser an excellent introduction to the field.
The objectives are to:
- Learn the basic anthropological methods to determine age, sex, race and stature from the human skeleton.
- Discern the fundamental differences between human and non-human skeletons.
- Identify the ways forensic anthropology can assist in interpreting skeletal trauma.
- Understand the methods used by forensic anthropologists to identify burned remains.
- Comprehend methods used in body search and excavation techniques.
- Understand the theoretical considerations related to personal identity and evidence and the methods used by forensic anthropologists to establish personal identity from human remains.
- Understand the contribution of DNA analysis and forensic odontology to victim identification.
- Determine how forensic anthropology is integrated into the response to mass disasters.
For more information about the course, please contact:
Mark Hovland, Course Coordinator
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical Education
14th Street & Alaska Avenue, NW, Room 2025
Washington, DC 20306
Tel: (202) 782-2637 / Toll Free: (800) 577-3749 (within the US)
Fax: (202) 782-5020 / Toll Free Fax: (800) 441-0094
Email: came@afip.osd.mil / Website: http://www.askafip.org.
Detection, Recovery and Examination of Footwear Impression Evidence
June 16 - 20, 2008
To be held at the Baltimore County PD at Towson, Maryland
Additional information at www.bodziak.com
Or contact Bill Bodziak at:
38 Sabal Bend
Palm Coast, FL 32137
(386) 447-3567
Fax: (386) 447-3568
wbodziak@earthlink.net
Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy in Forensic Laboratories
June 16 - 27, 2008
The Forensic and Investigative Science Program (FIS) of West Virginia University
The Forensic and Investigative Science Program (FIS) of West Virginia University will present Summer Courses in the practice of light microscopy and electron microscopy in forensic laboratories. This technical course will be followed by one oriented to the application of these techniques and to the casework management in the field of trace evidence. Particular attention will be held to the problem of evidence interpretation of typical forensic samples.
The course will be scheduled over a two week period. Attendees may participate in either or both weeks.
The first week will cover the basic principles and techniques of light microscopy (including double polarization) as well as an introduction to electron microscopy.
Week 1:
- Light microscopy
- Light theory and image formation;
- The microscope and its components;
- The theory of conjugated planes and Köhler illumination;
- Double polarization and related techniques;
- Sample preparation, cross sections and scale casting techniques;
- The characterization of hairs and fibers.
- Electron microscopy
- Image formation;
- Beam-specimen interactions;
- Modes of Operation;
- Detectors;
- Energy Dispersive Spectrometry;
- Gunshot residues detection and identification.
The second week will be “casework” oriented in the field of trace evidence. The various steps to which the evidence is submitted will be approached. This will include evidence collection, analysis and evidence interpretation. This latter aspect will be particularly emphasized to understand the results and findings in the evaluation of mass produced items. Particular attention will be paid to fibers and gunshot residues.
Week 2:
Evidence collection
- The different methods of trace evidence collection will be applied and discussed, with
particular attention of multiple types of materials potentially recovered. What are the priorities?
Trace evidence analysis
- The application of an analytical sequence for fibers characterized by light microscopy,
microspectrophotometry, FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy will be considered as
an example to be confronted to a typical situation where questioned samples and known
samples result undistinguishable.
Gunshot residues analysis
- The use of SEM-EDS for the analysis of primer residues will be demonstrated. Participants
will be encouraged to bring their own samples for analysis and interpretation.
Evidence interpretation
- The evidential value of the analytical results will be discussed. What does it mean when
questioned and known samples are undifferentiated? What are the relevant questions? Is it
sufficient to use a high discriminative sequence for interpretation purposes? What are the
limitations of the information gathered by the evidence?
Course fee per person: $500 per week.
Download the course flyer here
For more information or registration contact Patrick Buzzini (patrick.buzzini@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-4551) or Keith Morris (keith.morris@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3169)
Forensic Digital Imaging, Phase II
June 23 - 26, 2008
Institute for Forensic Imaging
338 S. Arlington, Suite 111
Indianapolis, IN 46219
This course, by conference, demonstration and practical “hands-on” training teaches advanced tools in Adobe PhotoShop to produce quality images for law enforcement professionals. Phase II, demonstrates and teaches Adobe PhotoShop in much greater depth than Phase I, therefore a working knowledge of PhotoShop is required.
This course is accredited by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy for 3.2 Continuing Education Training Units.
Contact: Kristy Trumpey--(317) 356-0245
Website: www.ifi-indy.org
Forensic Photography and Imaging
June 23 - 27, 2008
The Forensic and Investigative Science Program (FIS) of West Virginia University
The Forensic and Investigative Science Program (FIS) of West Virginia University will present Summer Courses in the practice of forensic photography. This course is designed to demonstrate, improve and practice the basic forensic photographic skills needed in today’s digital imaging environment. Practical exercises, group discussions, and challenging assignments tailored to help student acquiring confidence in their Forensic Photographic and Imaging abilities.
The following contents will be discussed:
- Using a digital camera;
- Close-up photography;
- Flash/lighting techniques;
- Alternate light sources;
- Depth of field;
- Infrared & ultraviolet imaging;
- Camera controls;
- Night photography;
- Use of flatbed scanners;
- Use of Adobe Photoshop.
The different photographic techniques will be applied to Mock crime scenes and to commonly encountered types of evidence, such like:
- Fingerprints;
- Blood spatter;
- Footwear & tire impressions;
- Tool marks.
This class will be presented over five days including some night work from June 23 to 27, 2008. Classes will be kept informal with an emphasis on improving photographic and imaging techniques used in Forensic Science.
Download the course flyer here
For more information or registration contact Ken Bauer
Phone: 304-293-5346
E-mail: ken.bauer@mail.wvu.edu
OCPM Forensics: Footprints & Shoe Prints Seminar
June 28, 2008
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
6000 Rockside Woods Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131
The Forensics: Footprints and Shoe Prints Seminar presented by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine {OCPM} will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at OCPM in Independence, Ohio. The Forensics: Footprints and Shoe Prints Seminar is sure to be an exciting, educational, and informative seminar with an all-star lineup of both international and national speakers.
In every crime scene with the possible exception of white-collar crime, the perpetrator must enter and then leave the scene. He or she often leaves incriminating evidence such as foot or shoe prints. This seminar is designed to help those involved in the criminal process to understand and develop sensitivity to these signs that are left behind. This seminar is meant for all those involved in the process of bringing the criminal to justice. This would include but is not limited to, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and podiatrists.
OCPM is an approved sponsor of podiatric medical education programs through the Council of Podiatric Medical Education. There will be 9.0 CME credit hours available for podiatric registrants of this program.
Contact: Mark Syroney, Director of Institutional Advancement - (216) 707-8074 or via email at msyroney@ocpm.edu.
Website: www.ocpm.edu/forensics08
Tire Impression and Tire Track Evidence: Recovery and Examination
July 7 - 11, 2008
To be held at the Lakewood, Colorado PD
Additional information at www.bodziak.com
Or contact Bill Bodziak at:
38 Sabal Bend
Palm Coast, FL 32137
(386) 447-3567
Fax: (386) 447-3568
wbodziak@earthlink.net
Intermediate Digital Imaging
July 28 - August 1, 2008
Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe, KS
Presented by Foray Technologies and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office Criminalistics Laboratory
This five-day course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft® Windows® environment as well as develop a thorough understanding of Adobe® Photoshop®. In addition, participants will have a thorough understanding of digital imaging concepts and how these concepts can aid in the forensic investigative process. Participants will benefit from applying these newly learned concepts in a practical exercise using their own images!
This hands-on training program will focus on the intermediate imaging concepts and techniques for enhancing digital photographs, preparing proof sheets, creating court exhibits and more. It will also provide an advanced understanding of digital imaging technologies as well as deliver an indispensable understanding of and hands-on experience with the most commonly used image enhancement tools. For example, you will learn how to scale digital images for accurate, life-size output as well as learn the recommended procedures for enhancing various types of images for maximum image quality and contrast. You will also learn how and when to apply different techniques to remove background noise as well as how to enhance contrast to bring out ridge detail that is barely visible to the human eye.
Each student must bring a minimum of five images on compact disk to be enhanced as part of their practical exercises. These images can be either latent prints, questioned documents, surveillance photos, and so forth. Students are encouraged to use images that will test their skill, but that will not frustrate them during the learning process.
David Witzke, better known as Ski, has more than 14 years of experience with forensic digital imaging and AFIS technologies. His extensive background covers all facets of software development, user and technical documentation development, systems integration and installation, technical support, and training. Ski has been conducting forensic digital imaging training programs for law enforcement agencies at all levels (local, state and federal) throughout the United States, Canada and England for more than eight years. He has an established reputation in forensic image processing and is frequently a guest speaker at regional and international conferences in the United States and abroad. He has also taught forensic digital image processing for the Latent Print Program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia as well as at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Participants must attend all five days of training. It is also recommended that each person attending this program have at least a basic understanding of the Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, ME, or XP operating system.
Download course info and registration here
For m ore info contact Lynn Slaughter (619) 858-1360, ext. 517 or lslaughter@foray.com
Forensic Shooting Scene Reconstruction Course
August 4 - 8, 2008
Eugene, Oregon
Instructor: Michael G. Haag, F. S. C., BS Chemistry, Forensic Scientist / Firearm Examiner
Mike Haag grew up learning about the field of forensic firearms from his dad, Luke. Even before high school he helped conduct research projects in many areas of firearms identification and shooting reconstruction. He has presented and published numerous papers at AFTE conferences, presented in England, and interned with the German Federal Forensics Section in Wiesbaden. He is a Distinguished Member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners, a member of the SWAFS, ACSR, and is currently employed by the Albuquerque Police Department Crime Lab, where he is a member of the Major Crime Scene Team, and an Instructor at Police Academy Classes and Field Investigator’s Courses. He has now taught 6 consecutive sessions of trajectory analysis and shooting reconstruction at the BATF’s National Firearm Examiner’s Academy, as well as Shooting Reconstruction classes in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Mike is also one of the few Forensic Scientists Certified by AFTE in Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification, Gunshot Residue Analysis and Distance Determinations, and Tool Mark Evidence Examination and Identification. He was recently asked to fly to Taiwan to assist in the investigation and reconstruction of a failed assassination attempt of the President. Mike has also appeared on the Discovery Channel, and the been interviewed by FOX News on firearm related issues numerous times.
More info in the course brochure here
More info at: www.forensicfirearms.com
2nd International Workshop on Computational Forensics
August 7 - 8, 2008
National Academy of Sciences
Keck Center in Washington DC
Computational Forensics is an emerging research domain. It concerns the investigation of forensic problems using computational methods. The primary goal is the discovery and the advancement of forensic knowledge. Computational Forensics involves modeling, computer simulation, computer-based analysis and recognition in studying and solving forensic problems.
The workshop is intended as a forum of renowned experts in all areas of computational and forensic sciences to discuss current challenges in computer-assisted forensic investigations and to present recent progress and advances.
More info at: iwcf08.arsforensica.org/
Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
September 8 - 12, 2008
Ontario Police College
Alymer, Ontario Canada
This course is taught by leading Canadian bloodstain analysts. It is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required at an advanced level. The course will provide infomation that will provide important detail to investigators as well as give students the confidence to apprear in court. Topics include: Complex patterns, Clothing Analysis, Case reviews (advanced level), report writing, pathology and expert testimony.
Additional information at www.opconline.ca
Or contact Rick Devine at:
Ontario Police College
10716 Hacienda Road
Aylmer, Ontario N5H 2T2
(519)773-4205
richard.devine@ontario.ca
FBI Forensic Facial Imaging Course
September 8 – 26, 2008
FBI Academy
Quantico, Virginia
This course is designed to provide intensive training in the preparation of artist composite drawings and fugitive age progressions. This class is taught by experienced FBI artists actively working in the field of forensic art, with additional lectures and demonstrations by noted law enforcement and academic professionals.
Students will learn the principles of drawing: gesture, accuracy, proportion, form, line, shadow, and edge control. These skills will enable the student to create professional quality, lifelike drawings with the illusion of three-dimensionality.
Unique aspects of this course include: one-on-one drawing instruction; hands-on training in muscular and skeletal anatomy; fundamentals of the memory process; facial coding and classification; cognitive witness interview techniques; the facial aging process; proper use of reference materials; accurate record-keeping; and courtroom demeanor and testimony.
This course is open only to law enforcement and public crime laboratory personnel. There is no charge for this training. The FBI pays for all travel expenses: lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the training location. Airfare is not included for international students.
For more information and to download an application, go to: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/html/ipgu3a.htm
Investigative Photography Workshop
October 13 - 17, 2008
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Nashville, Tennessee
This course is designed for the individual who would use their photographic skills on scene. For example; if you are charged with photographing crime scenes, accidents, or any other scene under investigation, this is the course designed to improve your skills and make you more confident in your abilities as a photographer.
A variety of photographic assignments will be covered to challenge each student and help prepare them for any situation they may encounter as a crime scene specialist, crime scene investigator, detective, forensic scientist, arson investigator, private investigator, or any imaging specialist involved in investigative photography.
Photographic Assignments include; Stopping Subject & Camera Motion, Controlling Depth of Field, Using an Electronic Flash, Off-Camera Flash for hidden objects, Photographing highly reflective evidence, Crime Scene Practical, Footwear & Tire Impression Practical, Creating a Panoramic Photograph of a Crime Scene, Filter Photography for Crime Scenes & Evidence, Photographing Evidence (Latents, Indented Writing, Tool Marks, Matching Edges), and Night Photography (Painting with Light, Flash Photography at night, Photographic VIN Numbers).
Download the flyer and application for this course here.
For further information contact:
Michael J. Brooks (Certified Training Instructor)
Brooks Photographic Imaging, LLC
703-221-1700 (Office)
bpi@photomail.us
www.brooksphotographicimaging.com
Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop
October 28 - 31, 2008
Contra Costa County Sheriff’s
1980 Muir Road
Martinez, CA
Digital Video Security Systems present an extraordinary challenge to investigators for locating and presenting clear video evidence. Numerous proprietary formats, codecs, and viewers increase the complexity of getting the video from these systems to play back! Once the video is finally accessed and displayed, determining what processes to use for clarifying the images is equally as daunting.
The Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop class will provide you with an understanding of the tools available for the recovery, analysis, and enhancement of digital video. This 4-day class will provide a vast selection of tools for recovery and analysis of video evidence as well as an understanding of the capabilities of Adobe Photoshop CS3 for clarifying video images from Digital Video Security Systems.
Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop provides a comprehensive understanding of the digital technologies of this video evidence. Students will be introduced to an assortment of tools available for recovering, analyzing, and clarifying this video evidence. Extensive hands-on exercises allow the students to explore the tools presented and practice the techniques demonstrated.
This class includes extensive work with Adobe Photoshop CS3 for forensic digital imaging processes. CS3 and Adobe Bridge will be used to tackle specific issues related to Digital Video Security Systems including correcting compression artifacts, rectifying aspect ratios, reducing noise in images, and amending lens distortions.
Students will receive a class manual with product resources, a CD with sample images to practice techniques, and specific step-by-step instructions for processing video evidence.
Download the flyer for this course here.
Registration for this class is available online at www.resvid.com
For more information, contact us by email at training@resvid.com or by phone at 703-759-7803
Second International Conference on Forensic Applications and Techniques in Telecommunications, Information and Multimedia (e-Forensics 2009)
January 19 - 21, 2009
Adelaide, Australia
The aim of e-Forensics 2009 is to bring together state of the art research contributions in the development of tools, protocols and techniques which assist in the investigation of potentially illegal activity associated with electronic communication and electronic devices.
The conference is poised to attract e-Forensics professionals not only from the research and education community, but also from industrial and commercial organizations, as well as government agencies. The conference schedule is 3 days in length and the program includes two workshops on e-forensics law and forensic sensing technologies.
The conference will address several research areas of forensic investigations, such as voice over IP call tracing and intercepting; digital imaging examination; geo-location techniques for cellular, ad-hoc, wireless and IP network communications; voice, audio and motion analysis and digital evidence gathering protocols.
For further information, go to http://www.e-forensics.eu