During this dynamic course, you will use actual case studies and hands-on applications as you learn how to determine the orientation and location of individuals involved in a shooting incident, the sequence of shots fired, and the location or position of objects at the scene.

We will explore the latest reconstruction principles and methods for investigating and documenting projectile-related scenes. You will have the opportunity to observe live fire demonstrations involving vehicles and many other target surfaces. Following each shooting exercise, you will be assigned the challenge of using classroom and field tools to measure, test, and document your observation of the event.

In addition, we will teach you how to incorporate the principles of mathematics, lasers and the latest computer software diagramming systems to document your reconstruction efforts for courtroom purposes.

Topics Include

• Fundamentals of interior, exterior, and terminal ballistics
• Projectile motion and linear modeling of bullet trajectories
• Examination of bullet holes and determination of impact trajectory
• Determination of direction and distance
• Determination of likely locations of victim(s) and suspect(s)
• Measuring methods and devices
• Shot sequencing
• Ricochet phenomena
• Shell casing ejection patterns
• Mathematical calculations
• Importance of impact angles to horizontal planes
• Computer modeling of parabolic trajectories
• Evidence recovery methods
• Documentation of crime scene reconstruction efforts with photographs, rough sketches, measurements and computer software
• Gunshot residue analysis and range of fire
• Gunshot wound dynamics

Audience

Experienced investigators and crime scene technicians, seasoned detectives, investigations supervisors, medical examiner and coroner investigators, and military investigative personnel.

This course is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Course Length

40 hours

Note

This course is IAI Crime Scene Certification approved.

What Our Students Are Saying

• “Very well organized and presented material will be very helpful with job duties.” – J.W.
• “I thought this was a well instructed, well rounded course. Thank you for taking the time to respond to our questions. Both instructors did an excellent job.” – Sgt. L.B.
• “Great experience from both instructors.” – R.C.
• “Great combination of classroom work and interactive exercises.” – C.C.
• “Highly recommend this course to law-enforcement. Excellent material covered.” – B.C.
• "I really enjoyed this week! Our shootings have escalated and I have a better understanding of how to document them now." – M.M., Crime Scene Tech. Supervisor
• "It was a lot of fun, even some of the math. I learned a lot and look forward to practicing the techniques and learning more. Thanks for a great week!" – T.R., C.S.T.
• "Great hands on and practical application. It's great to have supplemental help/info for photography. The range time was very informative." – Det. D.L.
• Very good class. This class gave me info on different things I can do to improve my cases." – Det. W.A.
• Great course. I learned new ways to look at a shooting scene." – Det. D.S.