Sirchie Forensic Training on the West Coast
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Bring Sirchie's Hands-on Forensic Training to Your Agency in the Western United States (CA, OR, NV, WA, ID, MT, WY, UT, AZ, NM, CO)
You can host a Sirchie Class at your location and we’ll send a Sirchie Instructor and everything needed to teach the same quality material and provide the same hands-on learning experience that you’d have at our Sirchie Training Facility. Hosting a class means you can have more of your agency attend training for a much lower cost. You’ll save on travel, lodging and food expenses, and your team will spend less time away from home.
West Coast Instructor Spotlight
David Garber
With 24 years of hands-on experience in crime scene investigation, David Garber brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his role as a forensic scientist. Specializing in crime scene investigation and reconstruction, particularly in bloodstain pattern analysis and shooting incident reconstruction, Garber is passionate about imparting his expertise to the next generation of forensic professionals.
In addition to his extensive field experience, Garber is actively involved in shaping the future of forensic science. He is a valuable member of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Bloodstain Subcommittee, contributing to developing standards and best practices in bloodstain pattern analysis. Furthermore, he holds the position of Secretary on the International Association for Identification (IAI) Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Certification Board, ensuring that certification standards remain rigorous and up-to-date. Garber's commitment to bloodstain pattern committee is not just in shaping the future but as Historian for the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA), he fosters a deep understanding of the discipline's history, providing students with valuable context as they embark on their forensic science journeys.
With his dedication to life-long learning, bolstered by his Master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, alongside Bachelor of Science degrees in Forensic Science and Biology, Garber is exceptionally well-equipped to inspire and mentor the next generation of forensic scientists. His ability to effectively communicate complex concepts ensures that students receive a comprehensive education in forensic science, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Hosted Training Benefits
- Receive the same course materials and same hands-on experience as our classes held at Sirchie's Headquarters.
- Tailor the course to your department’s specific needs.
- Save money on travel, lodging and food.
- Open training up to other local departments and strengthen relationships, improve communications and build goodwill.
For more information about hosting a class, click on the "Request for Information" button above and fill out the provided form, email us at training@sirchie.com or call 800.356.7311.
Sirchie Forensic Classes offered on the West Coast:
5-Day CSI & Forensic Investigation plus Photography
This 5-day 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:
- Crime Scene Management: 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.
- Fingerprint Theory and Classification: The fundamental principles of fingerprints are examined, including the basic concepts of ridge pattern development, identification characteristics and classification methods. Students will review latent print comparison methods with emphasis on understanding AFIS and modern latent print identification techniques.
- Latent Print Processing—Powders: The proper use of oxide, metallic, magnetic, and fluorescent powders is discussed. Students will develop latent prints on a variety of surfaces including paper, glass, plastic, and even textured surfaces. Students will experience lifting powder developed latent prints using tape, hinge lifters, gel lifters, and Accutrans. Utilizing photography and light source for proper documentation is reviewed.
- Latent Print Processing—Chemicals: During this segment, students will develop latent prints on porous surfaces, including paper and cardboard, utilizing iodine fuming, ninhydrin and silver nitrate. Students will review proper process sequencing for the maximum retrieval of latent prints and review the chemical principles of how they work. Cyanoacrylate (superglue) techniques for non-porous surfaces will be demonstrated also.
- Crime Scene and Evidence Photography: Procedures and techniques are discussed and demonstrated for properly documenting a crime scene through photography. Also reviewed and demonstrated are key camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, as well as proper accessories and equipment for properly capturing evidence quality photos.
- 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.
- Firearms, Ballistics, and Gun Shot Residue: Identification of firearms and the fundamentals of ammunition and its manufacture, behavior, and destructive effects is discussed. Fundamentals of gunshot residue, including determining proximity and presumptive testing for GSR are reviewed and demonstrated. Students will also be exposed to basic shooting reconstruction and proper documentation of shooting incidents.
- Alternate Lights and RUVIS: The use of alternate light sources to identify evidence at the scene as well as enhance contrast with fingerprint powders and chemicals is reviewed. RUVIS, using the SIRCHIE Krimesite Imager, will be used to demonstrate a non-intrusive technique for discovering latent prints at the crime scene without powders or chemicals.
- Biological Evidence - Blood, Fluids, and DNA: Students learn proper methods to locate, identify, and collect physiological fluid stains. Proper search methods including alternate light sources and chemical search methods including luminol and Bluestar are demonstrated. Students will also learn how to presumptively identify the type of stain using chemical reagents. Collection and preservation methods will be reviewed based on the latest best practices for DNA.
- Footprint, Tire, and Toolmark Impression Evidence: Impression evidence types and their value in criminal investigation will be reviewed. Students will learn and experience methods for capturing footwear tread impressions, including magnetic powder development, electrostatic dust print lifting, and dental stone casting. Principles of footwear and tire comparison will be shown, including proper documentation for the lab and court.
- Review and Final Examination: A comprehensive examination will be given at the end of the course, covering materials discussed and demonstrated. Students also investigate a mock crime scene as teams and present their findings over lunch on the last day.
Each student will receive a kit to use during hands-on exercises, and to keep.
OST250KIT Contents:
1- Perforated Notepad, 8 1/2” x 11”
1- Biofoam Impression Kit
5- Tissue Paper, #15 weight
1- Blood Evidence on Plywood
1- PIC001 Photo Scale/ID Card, 8 1/2” x 11”
1- Crime Scene Documentation Forms
2- 131WL1 Hinge Lifter, 2” x 4”, white
6- FC343 Reversible Backing Cards, 3” x 5”
2- Orange Evidence Marking Pointers
1- 101L Silk Black Fingerprint Powder, 2 oz.
1- 107L Copper Fingerprint Powder, 2 oz.
1- SB201L Silver/Black Fingerprint Powder, 2 oz.
1- M114L Black Magnetic Fingerprint Powder, 1 oz.
3- 122L Standard Fiberglass Brush
1- 123LW Marabou Feather Brush, white
1- 125L Magnetic Powder Applicator
1- 127LW Rubber/GEL Lifters, 2” x 4”, white, 12 ea.
1- 145L 1.5” Frosted Lifting Tape
4- Index cards, 3” x 5”
1- SBQ100 Fingerprint Lifting Squeegee
1- SNR100K Serial Number Restoration Kit
1- PPS800 Forensic L-Scale, 105mm x 105mm
1- PPS600 Reversible Forensic L-Scale, 300mm x 150mm
1- LTF200PR Zero Edge Protractor
1- Hemastix Blood ID Reagent Strips, 10 ea.
1- Toothbrush
1- Ballpoint Pen, black ink
1- #2 Pencil
2- Cotton Balls
2- Ziptop Bag, 9” x 12”
1- Orange Acrylic Square, 4” x 4”
1- 379M Attached case Magnifier
3- SDM100E Disposable Evidence Markers, inches
2- Wooden Paint Stirrers
3- Terry Cloth Towel
6- Cotton-Tipped Swabs
1- GLT101W GELifters, 5.2” x 7.2”, white, 10 each
1- HCB1002 Hard-Core Dental Stone, 2 lbs.
1- KCP247C Sterile Water, 3ml vial
1- OSTBK100 Blood Evidence Samples on paper
5- PBID1005 Blood ID Tests, Kastle Meyer Reagent
1- PBID2001 Blood ID Tests, McPhail’s Reagent
1- PSID1001 Seminal Fluid ID Test
5-Day Bloodstain Pattern Class (This course is approved for I.A.I. Certification & Re-Certification)
Throughout the United States and certainly in smaller departments, investigators face the complexities of violent crime scenes without the proper support or training. Like with all forensic disciplines, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is only useful when the investigators recognize, understand, capture, and process the stains and stain patterns that they observe are observing at the crime scene.
This five-day, hands-on course is intended for those who are responsible for investigating and processing violent crime scenes involving bloodshed. The course intended to assist students in developing a fundamental knowledge of the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis. In addition, this course will illustrate to students the basic principles of bloodstain pattern analysis and the practical application of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in real casework. It must be understood that this course is not intended to make the student and instance expert in the discipline.
Course Objectives:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the development, history, and advancement of bloodstain pattern analysis.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the inherent limitations of bloodstain pattern analysis.
- Recognize key bloodstain patterns and understand the mechanisms by which they are created.
- Determine impact angles for individual bloodstains.
- Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a bloodstain pattern scene.
- Determine a probable area of convergence for a group of bloodstains.
- Demonstrate the ability to combine area of convergence with impact angle to locate the probable area of origin for a given blood spatter event.
- Recognize proper protective measures to follow in a bloodstain scene.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the methods of documenting bloodstain scenes, both photographically and in written format.
Day 1
- Welcome, Introductions and Administrative Matters
- Photography Review
- Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Important reminders when conducting a bloodstain analysis and limitations of analysis.
- History of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- The scientific method and developing objective case-oriented experiments.
- OSAC information
- Anatomical & Physical Properties of Blood
- Universal precautions
- Bloodstain Terminology & Discussion
- Case Studies
- Review of Day 1
Day 2
- Discussion of bloodstains and bloodstain patterns
- Bloodstain Taxonomy & Decision Charts
- Examination of Various Bloodstains and Bloodstain Pattern (poster board stains)
- Presumptive Blood Testing with hands on exercises (Kastle Myers, luminol, LCV, etc.)
- Practical Exercise 1 – Volume of Blood in Relation to Stain Size, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Practical Exercise 2 – Stain Size vs. Distance Fallen, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Practical Exercise 3 – Stain Shape vs. Angle of Impact, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Impact Spatter & Forward vs. Back Spatter
- Case Study & Discussion
- Expirated Blood
- Day 2 Review
Day 3
- Angle of Impact Determination
- Calculating Angle of Impact & Tabletop Exercise in Measuring & Calculating Stains
- Practical Exercise 4 – Impact Spatter Resulting from Blunt Force Trauma, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Area of Convergence & Tabletop Exercise in Determining Area of Convergence
- Area of Origin Determination
- Pattern Recognition With Practical Exercises
- Practical Exercise 5 – Projected and Splashed Blood
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- Creating Blood Flow Pattern
- Blood Pool
- Drip Pattern (Blood into Blood on Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces)
- Blood Trail from Horizontal Motion
- Case Presentation
- Review Day 3
Day 4
- Cast of Stains/Pattern
- Practical Exercise 6 – Cast of Creation, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Transfer & Contact Stains
- Practical Exercise 7 – Transfers, Wipes and Swipes, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Practical Exercise 8 – Drying Time of Blood, Stain/Pattern Documentation and Exercise Discussion
- Importance of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is an Investigation
- Case Studies
- Review of Stain Patterns
- Bloodstain Documentation (Photography, OSCR360, Worksheets)
Day 5
- Limitations & Challenges of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Defending Your Methodology & Courtroom Testimony
- Creating Mock Crime Scenes
- Case Study Presentations
- Written Final Examination
- Practical Final Examination – Working Crime Scenes Created Earlier
- Graduation & Dismissal