Please email dawn@mpitraining.com if your agency would like to host one of the following programs!

Managing and Conducting Background Investigations

Management and Supervision of the Evidence Function

Management of the Evidence Room for Evidence Officers

Report Writing for Law Enforcement Officers

Solving the Crime: Adapting to the Important Role of Detective

The Public Information Officer

Breaking and Entering Evidence and Recovery

Dust ‘n Bust

Crime Scene for First Responders 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This three–day course will introduce the investigating officer to the most modern methods of crime scene and forensic evidence photography. On completion of this course, the student will understand and be able to use their cameras and associated accessories and lighting in both manual and automatic modes, so that they will be able to record the scene and information accurately as they see it, and not be constrained by the camera’s automatic functions. Particular emphasis is placed on fingerprint and small object evidence photography, including tool marks and shoe/tire print impression imaging. Students will also understand shortcuts using a camera’s automation when appropriate to make their photography easier and more efficient. Typically, more that 50% of the class time is spent doing hands on camera work exercises, with close individual attention from the instructors. Exercises are demonstrated via projection through the instructors’ cameras so the class can see what they will be doing before they are asked to do it.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Overview of crime scene and accident photography.
• Camera controls- what the wheels, windows, and settings are and what they do
• Close-up and macro photography- fingerprints on a variety of surfaces, tool marks, ballistic evidence.
• Exposure- determining proper exposure, the variables that control it, how to master them.
• Depth of field, a critical concept for evidence photography- the hyperfocal distance and how to make it work for you.
• General principals of lighting, and how to add or modify existing light using flash or continuous light sources.
• Photography in dark places- photography at night of large and small areas, using both continuous light sources and electronic flash units to best advantage in difficult situations.
• Principles of and introduction to forensic/alternate light source photography for use with fluorescent fingerprint powders, and finding body fluids and sub-cutaneous bruising. Inexpensive ($35 or less) light sources are used, making this technology affordable to all.
• Foot and tire impression photography, and how to find and photograph dust prints from hands and feet.
• Simple enhancement and clarification techniques for evidentiary images
• Courtroom testimony regarding photographs and how to support the courtroom presentation of images.
• A short history of photography and photographic technology.

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Click here to view our class catalog!