Crime Scene Investigation Course
by M/Sgt Hayden B. Baldwin, Retired
Illinois State Police


This two day course is similar to the 1st Officer/Responder's course and covers some of the same material. However this course is specifically designed for investigators and crime scene technicians. The intent of this two day course is to give a general overall view of crime scene investigation and demonstrate the newest techniques and equipment used in crime scene investigations. Each topic discussed is specific to the processing of crime scene s for physical and testimonial evidence. Crime scene interpretation is demonstrated along with evaluating the physical evidence at the crime scene. Evidence potential is discussed and the types of forensic analysis that is required.

The success of an investigation that involves a definable crime scene depends greatly on the initial observations and actions of the first officer to arrive at the scene. The officer's most important task at the scene is to prevent the destruction or diminish the value of potential evidence that may lead to the apprehension of the criminal and solution of the crime. This unit of instruction addresses the important task of recognizing a crime scene and its evidence, and the proper procedures of protecting a crime scene. This unit of instruction is for the crime scene technician, investigators and supervisors.

Discussed and demonstrated in the class are the following topics; the first officers responsibility, identifying the dimensions of a crime scene, what types of evidence can be found at a crime scene, define physical and testimonial evidence, the measures needed to evaluate and collect physical evidence, proper packaging procedures, crime scene photography, crime scene sketches, attending autopsies, new techniques used in the processing of crime scenes, update on the requirements of a crime laboratory for the collection and preservation of physical evidence.

New and innovative processing techniques will be demonstrated and discussed. Specialized crime scene equipment will also be demonstrated and discussed. The evaluation and potential value of evidence will be discussed. A specific protocol for processing crime scenes will be taught that will guide the crime scene investigator to gleam the maximum amount of information and potential evidence from the scenes.

Property crimes, sexual assaults, robberies, death investigations and the recovery of human remains will be covered during the course. Each scene is unique but also alike. The types of physical and testimonial evidence in these cases will be identified and demonstrated.

The following is a general guide as a schedule of this class:

METHOD: Instruction will be by lecture, video, and slide presentations of actual case work, supplemented by handout material. New equipment and techniques will be demonstrated.

LENGTH: Instruction is 16 hours in length.

CLASS SIZE: Unlimited

 


If you have comments or suggestions, email me at hbb@feinc.net