3-Day CSI and Forensic Investigation plus Photography (Doylestown, PA) Feb 25-27, 2025

With the cooperation of the Bucks County Police Training, Sirchie is offering its comprehensive hands-on Forensic Investigation Training at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center, 1760 S. Easton Road, Doylestown, PA.

This 3-day (Tuesday through Thursday) course covers state-of-the-art methods of identifying, recording, processing and preserving various types of evidence found at the scene of the crime. The program is geared for Hands-on use of equipment, materials and supplies necessary for a thorough and comprehensive evidence collection mission.

CURRICULUM

Basic to Advanced Photography including Low Light Photography
Students will learn the effects of lighting, flash, and how to take their cameras from AUTO to Manual Mode while following industry standards for documenting crime scenes. Attendees will have Nikon DSLR cameras to utilize but are encouraged to bring their own cameras to utilize during training. Students will utilize shutter release cables, CPL filters, and other advanced photo techniques. During this session students will learn the difference between dSLR and mirrorless cameras, and 2 and 3-dimensional scanning and documentation devices utilized in the industry.

Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter and Other Impression Evidence Photography and Collection Methods
Students will learn how to locate, image, and lift a dust print using the ESDL and other very effective forensic techniques.

Biofoam and Casting
Students will create a 3-dimensional impression, photograph the impression, and then cast the impression utilizing dental stone or an equivalent casting material. Students will image the cast the following day.

“SirchSil” and Gelatin Lifters
Students will process and then lift fingerprints on textured surfaces and create a 3-D mold of a mock piece of evidence utilizing this piece of specialized equipment. Students will learn how to properly image fingerprints before and after being processed, and upon being lifted.

Traditional, Magnetic, and Fluorescent Fingerprint Powder Processing Techniques
Students will learn the differences between traditional, magnetic, and fluorescent fingerprint techniques by developing fingerprints on over two dozen different surfaces. They will then learn how properly to image these prints with and without ALS – Alternate Light Source – white, blue and UV lights.

Chemical Processing Techniques
Students will process mock evidence with two commonly utilized latent fingerprint on porous surfaces chemicals – Iodine and Ninhydrin – and the various techniques associated with each process.

Wet Surface and Latent Print from Tape Processing
Students will conduct exercises to develop fingerprints from wet surfaces and duct tape commonly found in violent persons crimes.

“Superglue” Processing
Students will learn the various techniques of superglue fuming from the most simplistic to elaborate processing measures including fire scene evidence such as fuel containers.

Presumptive Blood Testing
As one of the least understood crime scene techniques, presumptive bloodstain testing can alleviate months of waiting for forensic laboratory reports pertaining to substances believed to be blood at crime scenes. After a presentation on the theory and science behind presumptive blood testing, students will test 3 provided samples of “presumptive blood” with field test kits to determine to a high degree of certainty that the substance is or is not blood. This technique is of paramount importance in abduction, murder, home invasion, and other violent crimes.

Alternate Light Sources
Students will be instructed on and conduct exercises utilizing ALS during their photographic exercises, including how to search for bones in fire pits, large, wooded areas, and other outdoor scenes. Special emphasis will be placed on blue and UV light energy. During this session students will understand how to quickly scan a scene for human remains bone evidence.

Luminol Based Products and Leucocrystal Violet (LCV) Blood Enhancement
Students will be instructed on the various luminol based products utilized to search for latent blood at crime scenes. Students will then be given luminol and exemplars containing latent blood to image. Students will be shown the difference between Luminol and other luminol based products, as well as LCV and under which circumstances each product should /would be utilized.

Macro Photography of Crime Scene and Fire Investigation Evidence
Students will be instructed on and utilize a macro lens to image a wide variety of small evidence, including fingerprints, bullet casings, wires, and switches.

Serial Number Restoration
As one of the courses most intriguing exercises that relates to firearms, vehicle and 4-wheeler thefts, and other serial numbered property crimes, students will process a piece of metal to restore the obliterated serial number.

Firearms/Ballistics, Medicolegal Death Investigation, DNA, Investigative Genealogy, Cold Cases, and other Investigative Concepts
Throughout the course students will be instructed on medicolegal death investigation terms and concepts including those related to firearms and ballistics. Mass, Velocity, and Kinetic Energy, types/construction of bullet/projectiles, and wounding principles (penetration/perforation, temporary and permanent wound paths) will be discussed and explained. Concepts of reconstructing bullet trajectory will be discussed and demonstrated utilizing a green laser which students will capture via DSLR camera in a dark environment. Students will learn about the different DNA processing techniques and how genealogy has revolutionized the investigation of cold cases.

For More Info Contact:
Amanda K. Hasaka
Office Manager, County of Bucks
Law Enforcement & Safety Department
215-340-8410
policetraining@buckscounty.org

Area Hotels:

Minimum enrollment will be 18 students with a maximum enrollment of 25 students. The cost per student is $495.00. All materials, supplies and equipment will be supplied by Sirchie. Students will be responsible for their own transportation and related per diem expenses. Individuals must register on-line no later than 5 days prior to the class, Sirchie reserves the right to cancel this class if the minimum number (18) students has not been met.