Essential Skills for the Justice Community

In addition to extensive online DNA analysis training, NFSTC offers the following general forensic training programs online. These courses are made possible through grants from the National Institute of Justice. 

Firearm Examiner Training

Information addressed in this interactive training program is delivered in fourteen modules, including:  firearms history, manufacturing, ammunition, firearms and projectiles examination, evidence collection, residue, comparisons and toolmarks. 

Take the FREE training:  Firearm Examiner Training

Missing Persons Training

This three-day conference facilitated by NFSTC brought together experts from the FBI, NIJ, Attorney General’s office and forensic experts from around the nation to discuss investigation of missing persons cases. 

View the presentations online: Missing Persons Training

Trace Evidence Symposium

To explore and improve the use of trace evidence throughout the criminal justice system, NIJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory Division host the Trace Evidence Symposium. Participants attend educational workshops, listen to plenary sessions and case presentations and learn more about the field.

Download presentations from past symposia online:

2007 Symposium | 2009 Symposium

Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes

The field of crime scene processing is extremely demanding and ever changing. Demands from the scientific and legal communities influence the crime scene investigator’s everyday activities. The scientific community focuses on the examination of evidence collected at a crime scene. Investigators and crime scene specialists are responsible for identifying, securing, documenting and preserving biological evidence recovered from a crime scene. The Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crime Scenes interactive training program is delivered in four modules:

1. Types of Evidence
2. Crime Scenes
3. Evidence Collection
4. Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

Take the FREE training:  Collecting DNA Evidence at Property Crimes

Using and Presenting Digital Evidence in the Courtroom

It is increasingly common for evidence in civil and criminal cases to be located on or generated by computers. Trials involving this kind of evidence are similar to any other trial; however, digital evidence may be subject to some rules, procedures, and strategies that differ from other types of evidence. This training, featuring mock trials, is designed to assist and instruct users in trying a case in which the key evidence is in digital form. The training is divided into modules that discuss the following topics: trial preparation, planning, and logistics (technical operation); trial preparation involving witnesses and evidence; evidence admissibility; evidence presentation; supplemental trial-phase tips; lessons learned; and exhibits and links. This training is available via CD ROM from NCJRS.