Forensic Science Training

online, onsite, hands-on, customizable forensic science training

NFSTC has developed, designed and delivered many training programs aimed at educating law enforcement, medical examiners/coroners, investigators and the military on forensic science principles, techniques and applications. These courses were delivered using NFSTC’s proven approach to instructional design and delivered via NFSTC’s cutting-edge online learning system and state-of-the-art training facilities.

Training Programs

2011-2012:  Latent Print Examiner Training

2011-2012:  Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation Training

2010-2011:  Tenprint Examiner Training

2010-2011:  Medicolegal Death Investigation Training

2010-2011:  Footwear/Tire Track Examiner Training

2009-2010:  Latent Print Examiner Training

2009-2010:  Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training

For specific information on the programs listed above, contact NFSTC at sales@nfstc.org.

Training Courses

2011-2012:  ICAC Specialized Investigative Techniques – Cell Phone Investigation, Collection and Law

For more information on the ICAC-SIT course, contact NFSTC’s Project Office at (727) 549-6067 or info@nfstc.org.

Workshops

October 2011:  Rapid Biological Screening and Analysis

Various technology transition workshops can be found in the NFSTC online training center.

For more information on NFSTC’s workshops, contact the Project Office at (727) 549-6067 or info@nfstc.org.

Program Descriptions

Latent Print Examiner Training

Latent Print Examiner Training is designed to help prepare participants to successfully meet the challenges of certification examinations provided by the IAI. The course combines classroom training, online distance learning and practical exercises, in conjunction with mentor‐based training conducted at the trainees’ home agency. Course topics include introduction to the science of friction ridge classification and individualization, palm print techniques, latent print examinations, friction ridge automation and known standards, latent print development, essential ridgeology concepts, digital imaging, courtroom testimony and expert witness testimony.

For more information, see the original announcement or download the results flyer below.

  Latent Print Training Informational Flyer (489.6 KiB, 1,675 hits)

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Essentials of Crime Scene InvestigationEssentials of Crime Scene

The Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation training program introduces law enforcement personnel to the fundamental principles of crime scene investigation. Recognized by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board as an approved crime-scene course of instruction, the 40-hour program is delivered as a blend of Web-based, theoretical instruction, followed by a three-day, hands-on training experience. Provides recommended practices for protecting crime scenes and for preserving, collecting and submitting physical evidence for analysis. Covers identification, documentation and collection of biological, trace, latent print, footwear, tire track, tool and tool mark, and firearm evidence. Online photography topics introduce camera settings, lighting and effective crime scene photography techniques.

Read about the program in Tech Beat magazine and in the Rockland Standard.

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Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation Training

Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation Training, a follow-up program to the highly successful Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training program, will build on practitioners’ existing knowledge and experience to impart a deeper understanding of the principles of crime scene processing and investigation. The program is designed to expand investigators’ skills in areas such as techniques for advanced fingerprint processing, advanced footwear and tire track collection and documentation, field testing (biological screening and presumptive drug testing), specialized media documentation techniques, forensic light source techniques and evidence submission and analysis considerations. The training will be delivered using online content, lecture and practical exercises using life-like exhibits and mock crime scene scenarios. In addition, participants will benefit from immediate feedback from expert instructors.

For more information, see the original announcement.

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Medicolegal Death Investigation

The Medicolegal Death Investigation Training program is designed to provide medicolegal death investigators with general knowledge of the scope and application of the forensic sciences within the criminal justice system. Topics covered include crime scene processing and photography, latent fingerprint processing, controlled substances analysis, toxicology, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, forensic odontology, firearm and tool mark collection and preservation, trace evidence analysis, fire debris analysis, explosives and explosive device identification, and forensic biology (serology/DNA). The goal of this training is to expand the expertise of participants with knowledge of the scope and application of many of the forensic sciences used in death investigation and focuses on general knowledge of applicable forensic services. This focus allows participants to concentrate on the fundamental principals involved in the application of various forensic disciplines and provides an excellent opportunity to explore techniques used to recover a variety of high-value items of evidence.

The Medicolegal Death Investigation Training course consists of both online and on-site instruction, including scenario-based, practical exercises that put trainees into mock death scene scenarios. Both the online and the on-site courses are approved for Continuing Education Units through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).

For more information, see the original announcement.

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Footwear/Tire Track Examiner Training

The Footwear/Tire Track Examiner Training program consists of five courses. The training is designed to prepare entry-level footwear/tire track examiners for the IAI certification by leading participants through sequential course offerings covering the range of knowledge required by the IAI. The course includes both online and on-site instruction. Topics of study include collection, documentation and preservation of footwear and tire track impression evidence; comparison techniques for footwear and tire track impressions; case studies; and courtroom testimony and mock trials.

For more information, see the original announcement.

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Tenprint Examiner Training

The purpose of the Tenprint Examiner Training program is to assist the law enforcement community and criminal justice system by developing entry-level Tenprint Examiners who can pattern type, classify and compare tenprint records, and eventually become court qualified experts. This program will lead entry-level tenprint examiner trainees through sequential course offerings in preparation for taking the IAI certification examination. The course consists of both online coursework and on-site instruction using practical, hands-on exercises. Topics of instruction include an introduction to friction ridge examination and classification, tenprint comparison techniques, essential ridgeology concepts, advanced comparison techniques and expert witness testimony.

For more information, see the original announcement.

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ICAC Specialized Investigative Training ­ Cell Phone Investigation, Collection and Law

This course provides crucial skills for investigators and first responders responsible for handling cellular and other mobile devices. Provides effective techniques for properly obtaining, collecting and storing digital media devices and evidence, and the knowledge to recognize different types and styles of mobile devices and portable media storage. Participants learn techniques that will assist in identifying, tracking, and apprehending the predators who use these devices as methods for exploiting their victims. Key components of the course include understanding cellular networks and the different types of mobile devices, the hardware and software used to collect and analyze digital media, case law regarding the use of digital media and methods for proper case documentation. Participants registering for this course should have a working knowledge of the Internet and basic computer skills.

For more information, see the original announcement.

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For information about these training programs, contact info@nfstc.org.