Evidence Collection Training Program

Register

You need to attend this program if…

Over the past 30 years, Sirchie has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals worldwide. Continuing our strong commitment to serve the law enforcement community, Sirchie is pleased to
offer a 40-hour training course designed to further the knowledge and skills of law enforcement professionals in evidence collection and crime scene technology.

Due largely to U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding the admissibility of confessions and admissions of guilt, the criminal investigator is forced to rely heavily on physical evidence to prove his/her case.

Physical evidence encompasses any and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or provide a link between the crime and its victim, or the crime and its perpetrator.

It is almost impossible to commit a crime without leaving any physical evidence, even if in microscopic amounts. The difficulty is recognizing it, knowing where to find it, how to find it and how to properly collect it.

Thoroughly trained investigators are the key to successful evidence collection. However, most law enforcement officers have busy work schedules and don’t have the time to acquire this specialized training. Cognizant of this dilemma, Sirchie offers a Crime Scene Technology program. The Monday through Friday course covers the scientific methods of collection, identification, evaluation and preservation of physical evidence. The program features “hands-on” use of equipment and materials to achieve a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the evidence collection mission.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate and class picture.

All training materials and a crime scene technology graduate shirt will be supplied to all students.

Limited class size	State-of-the-art facilities	Hands-on training
A small student/instructor ratio createsa better learning atmosphere and gives students more individual attention	Students process latent prints through chemical development.	Students practice casting footwear impressions using Hard-Core Blue™ casting techniques.

Course Curriculum

1. Crime Scene Investigation

   The various types and categories of physical evidence are reviewed with the emphasis being placed on the proper procedures for securing the crime scene and preparing to collect evidence.

    

2. Fingerprint Theory

   The fundamental principles of fingerprints are examined, including the basic concepts of ridge pattern development, identification characteristics and classification methods.

    

3. Fingerprint Powders

   The proper use of oxide, metallic and magnetic powders is discussed. Students will develop latent prints on a variety of surfaces such as porous and non-porous, glass and polished metals. Photographic techniques are covered along with the use of various print lifting devices such as tape, hinge lifters and rubber lifters. 

    

4. Locating and Processing Latent Prints

   During this segment, students will develop latent prints on paper and cardboard surfaces, utilizing iodine fuming, ninhydrin and silver nitrate. Chemical fixatives and removers will also be covered as well as the chemical development of latent blood prints. A second period is devoted to the development of latent prints using cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming techniques. Students will also learn the latest methods of locating and photographing latents without powder or chemical processing with Sirchie’s Krimesite™ Imager. 5.

    

5. Fingerprint Taking Techniques

   Students will discuss various techniques for achieving superior results when taking fingerprints and palm prints. 

    

6. Fingerprint Classification and Comparison

   Students will learn the fundamental techniques of fingerprint pattern interpretation to classify, search and file. 

    

7. Basic Photography and Crime Scene Sketching

   Various procedures for taking crime scene photographs are discussed as well as the proper techniques for constructing crime scene sketches.

    

8. Physiological Fluids

   Students learn to identify physiological fluid stains, including blood and seminal fluid, using various testing methods. Students will use chemical reagents, such as luminol, to detect invisible traces of blood. The proper collection and handling of evidence in rape cases and sex crimes will be covered.

    

9. Controlled Substances Identification

   Students will work with presumptive field test kits that offer screening of the most commonly abused drugs and narcotics. 

    

10. Theft Detection Techniques

    Students learn the uses of visible and invisible fluorescent powders, pastes, dyes, crayons, ink markers and other tagging devices. 

     

11. Serial Number Restoration

    Working with various metallic and plastic surfaces, students will restore obliterated serial numbers. Liquid and gel reagents are used in conjunction with the electron accelerator. 

     

12. Firearms Residue Collection

    Students will learn the proper methods for collecting primer and gunpowder residues from the suspected shooter’s firing hand.  

     

13. Tire, Footprint, Toolmark Casting

    Impression evidence types and their value in criminal investigation will be reviewed. Students will have the opportunity to experience first hand the casting of footwear and tire impressions with various materials. In addition, casting of tool marks and other impressions will be demonstrated.

     

14. Course Review and Final Examination

    A comprehensive examination will be given at the end of the course, covering materials discussed and demonstrated  

Course Fee

The course cost is $600.00 per student, including tuition, study materials and lab fees. Transportation, food and lodging costs are the responsibility of the student. 

Registration

To enroll, register online at www.sirchie.com or call (800) 356-7311, if you have any questions.

Transportation

Raleigh is served by several major airlines through the Raleigh/Durham International Airport, which is just a short drive from Sirchie’s training complex. Transportation from motels to the training center is normally provided by the student. 

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels in the area. Call our Training Director at (800) 356-7311 or email at training@sirchie.

Location

The course is held at Sirchie‘s state-of-the-art manufacturing and training complex in Youngsville, North Carolina.