Crime Scene Investigations Course (Formerly Field Evidence Technician Course)
A hands-on approach to understanding the fundamental theories of physical evidence practically applied and the legal consideration involved in the collection, preservation, and presentation in court. This course includes a night photoshoot during week 1. In return, the course ends at noon on Friday of week 2.
International Association of Identification (IAI) approved for 80 hours of training towards initial crime scene certification and crime scene recertification.
*Please see the required equipment below.
**This Class is Restricted to Law Enforcement Employees Only. Priority will be given to active CSI’s or an equivalent position. If you are interested in crime scene investigations but are not currently employed by a law enforcement agency, please visit our Crime Scene Investigator Certificate Program page.**
Tuition
$895 - 80 Hours, POST Plan IV
2024 -2025 Dates
| CCN | Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24001 | August 5-16, 2024 | Sheraton Garden Grove | Closed |
| 24002 | October 7-18, 2024 | Sheraton Garden Grove | Closed |
| 24003 | December 2-13, 2024 | Sheraton Garden Grove | Open |
Course Control Number
5270-31550
Location
Sheraton Garden Grove
12221 Harbor Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 703-8400
For those participants who will be flying in, the John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Orange County is the closest airport.
Registration
Because classes fill up quickly, we strongly encourage registering as soon possible. Please have your training department contact the Center for Criminal Justice at CSULB or call 562.985.4940 to make your reservations. If you make a reservation via email please include the following information:
- Name and Date of Class
- Training Managers Name
- Training Managers Phone Number
- Training Managers Email Address
- Agency Name
- Name of Attendee(s)
- POST ID # for Attendee(s)
- Email address for Attendee(s)
You will receive a confirmation email letting you know that we have registered you for the class. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis, a wait list will be established once the maximum number of students has been met.
Requirements
- Flashlight
- Fingerprint Kit
- Digital Camera
For Digital Cameras:
- Card Reader
- Blank CD's
- Laptop with imaging capabilities (optional)
- Wide angle lens (if available)
- Electronic Flash
- Remote cord or synch cord for the electronic flash (for operating the flash when off the camera)
- Tripod
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for the electronic flash
- Extra camera battery(s)
- Owner’s manuals for the camera and electronic flash
*Simple cameras that can be operated in manual and/or automatic modes are best for this course. Cameras that can only be operated in a PROGRAM mode should be avoided since many of the photography exercises during the class require techniques that cannot be accomplished in a program mode. Also, some students who bring advanced electronic cameras find it difficult to do all the required techniques since some techniques require they override the advanced functions of the camera. Such advanced electronic cameras should only be used in the class if the student has a good working knowledge of the camera and its advanced functions.
**Some advanced electronic cameras require electronic cable releases.
It is strongly suggested that the student read the camera and electronic flash owner’s manuals and practice using the camera and flash before the class. If owner’s manuals are not available for the camera and/or flash, and the student is not familiar with the operation of the camera and flash he/she will bring to class, it is suggested that the student obtain and read a basic photography book prior to the class. Any mechanical problems with the camera and flash should be resolved before the student attends the class.
The student should be able to do the following with the camera he/she is bringing to the class:
- Load memory card
- Set the correct film ISO (film speed on the camera)
- Focus the camera
- Use the camera’s light meter and/or automatic functions to obtain a good exposure
- Take a photograph in normal daylight
- Take a photograph using electronic flash
- Download images to a laptop computer
- Introduction to physical evidence
- Legal aspects of physical evidence
- Theory and technique of crime scene search
- Photography (to include daylight, darkness, inclement weather)
- Casting and reproduction of impressions, tool marks, and prints
- Fingerprints: recovery, classification, and preservation
- Blood and other physiological fluids
- Physical evidence in death investigations
- Hair, fibers, soils, and other trace evidence
- Firearms distance determination
- Gunshot residue collection
- DNA and trace DNA collection and processing
- Cellphone and mobile forensics
- Forensic examination of digital evidence
The courses offered by the Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training are the intellectual property of California State University Long Beach. Use or copying of this material is prohibited without prior written consent.
