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DNA Analyst Training
DNA analyst training participant.

Making a Difference

"We were the beneficiaries of an excellent inspection performed by an experienced, congenial and technically proficient inspection team. After forty years of experience in this field, these are some of the best inspectors with which I have ever come in contact - my congratulations."
(Assessments Program)

~Norman Wade
Maricopa County (AZ) Medical Examiner's Office

Training Facilities

Complete Training – From the Classroom to the Crime Scene

Practitioners not only need a firm understanding of the science behind forensics, they need the hands-on training to properly collect, handle and analyze evidence that could prove crucial to an investigation. NFSTC provides extensive training facilities that cater to each facet of forensics education. From multimedia classrooms to mock crime scenes, NFSTC provides the training tools and environments to ensure a compelling, effective learning experience.

Training Classroomsonline, onsite, hands-on, customizable forensic science training

NFSTC has five classrooms on site to accommodate instructor-led courses. All classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors, wireless Internet access, and can be supplied with laptop computers as needed. In addition, a multimedia classroom is enhanced with an audio/video studio and special lighting so workshops and presentations can be conveniently recorded for multimedia delivery.

State-of-the-Art Training Labs

online, onsite, hands-on, customizable forensic science training DNA, chemistry laboratories

NFSTC provides four training laboratories where students can gain hands-on experience with a full range of advanced analytical equipment.   Over the past several years, NFSTC has hosted numerous workshops and training opportunities at the facility including:

Sequential Processing of Latent Prints Technical Transition Workshop – In 2010, NFSTC hosted the Sequential Processing of Latent Prints workshop in the laboratory facilities onsite. This workshop provided attendees with an understanding of sequential processing for crime scene exhibits in general and documents in particular. The class included lecture, demonstration and hands-on activities to illustrate and practice the concepts of sequential processing of paper exhibits and triaging exhibits based on a wide range of potential target components of fingerprint deposits. Students prepared the chemical mixtures used during the hands-on portion of the workshop and applied the necessary detection techniques in sequence for each reagent.

Biological Screening Workshops – From 2009 to 2011, NFSTC delivered a series of biological screening workshops for entry-level crime scene examiners. The workshops were designed to provide trainees with knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in the identification, collection and preservation of biological evidence. NFSTC presented a poster on biological screening training at the 2010 National Institute of Justice conference.

online, onsite, hands-on, customizable forensic science training post-blast, improvised explosives facilities

Real-world Scenarios, Life-like Settings

NFSTC’s flexible training space can be configured to simulate a variety of settings for the warfighter or crime fighter. Whether participants need to acquire the skills to collect and preserve evidence from a terrorist hideout or a residential crime scene, NFSTC provides extensive facilities specially designed to facilitate hands-on, scenario-based training.

Crime scene investigation – Customizable rooms can be setup to provide exercises for collection of DNA and pattern evidence for various types of investigations.

Firearms examiner training – A mobile firing range is on site for live fire testing of weapons and analysis of projectile patterning.

online, onsite, hands-on, customizable forensic science training real-world scenario-based, death investigation

Explosives training – Numerous vehicles in a variety of pre- and post-blast states are available for scenarios involving explosives and drug possession.

Sensitive site exploitation – An array of environments can be simulated to prepare warfighters for the demands of in-theatre forensic investigations. In addition, a mobile forensics laboratory is available on site for exercises involving the collection and analysis of digital and biological evidence and the development of actionable intelligence.