In this course, you will learn best practices and procedures for the search, recovery and documentation of trace and otherwise difficult to locate forensic evidence from vehicles that have been involved in DUI, hit-and-run, pedestrian strike collisions, and those involving questionable occupant kinematics.
We will show you how to locate, collect and process trace and biological evidence from both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Using actual vehicle crash and pedestrian-involved case study examples, you will learn practical photography techniques for documenting this evidence.
You will learn about the most effective methods and use of equipment for discovery and interpretation of forensic evidence such as bloodstain patterns, orientation of hair and fiber, as well as the best practices for the recovering and packaging DNA evidence. The capabilities of state, federal, and private laboratories will also be discussed.
Topics Include
- Basics of vehicle documentation photography
- Forensic light sources
- Search techniques utilizing light energy for trace evidence recovery
- Evidence recovery and collection techniques
- Touch DNA
- Fingerprint development techniques
- Bloodstain patterns
Audience
Traffic crash investigators, crime scene technicians who respond to crashes or assist traffic crash investigators, as well as private crash reconstructionists
Course Length
20 hours
What to Bring
Required
- SLR Camera: Hands-on photography techniques will play an active role on days 1 and 3
- Memory cards
- Card reader designed for the camera's memory card
- Alternate light sources, if available (i.e. black light or forensic blue light)
- Extra batteries for the camera and light sources
- Battery charger
- Work clothes for outside activities (including inclement weather)
Recommended
- Camera with manual setting capability
ACTAR Information
IPTM's Forensic Evidence from Crash Fatalities course is eligible for 20 ACTAR CEUs.
What Our Students Are Saying
- “Brought to light new techniques that can be very valuable to collision investigators.” – B.F.
- “Both instructors were very knowledgeable and experienced. They communicated the material clearly and made the class interesting with the use of visual aids and hands on activities.” – Cpl. B.V.
- “Excellence class for photography and evidence collection for a traffic investigator without evidence experience.” – Cpl. G.J.
- “The hands-on exercises and knowledge of instructors helped with photography and evidence collection. Very good glass.” – Sgt. J.S.
- “Overall an excellent course. The instructors are very knowledgeable and I learned about different equipment that will aid my processing of crash fatalities that I will take back to my department.” – J.K. Forensic Tech
- “Outstanding class. Instructors clearly experts in their field. A wealth of knowledge. Appreciate their time.” – Det. J.S.
- “Great course! Informative and useful tools that can be used in a complex case investigation.” – Trooper B.P.
- “This was an outstanding class! The photography portion, bloodstain analysis and field trip were excellent. I will utilize everything that I have learned in the course.” – Sgt. B.E.