Evidence Collection Course For Writers

How would you like to attend one of the most elite evidence collection courses in the world? The week-long, exclusive session at Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories is normally offered to law enforcement only, but I’ve made arrangements for 20 writers to attend. The event is tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2012 (July or August) at the Sirchie compound outside Raleigh, N.C.

This will be a Monday through Friday Noon course that covers state–of-the-art methods of identifying, recording, collecting, processing and transporting physical evidence found at the scene of a crime. The program is geared for “hands-on” use of equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for a thorough and comprehensive evidence collection mission and fully conforms to the training Sirchie® has conducted for over thirty years to thousands of officers from the world wide law enforcement community.

If you are interesting in attending this once-in-a-lifetime event please contact me immediately. Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. Believe me, this course is highly-sought after by the best-of-the-best crime-solvers in the world, and there’s a very long waiting list. So we’re extremely fortunate to have made it possible for a select few writers to go where no civilians have gone before.

COURSE CURRICULUM Includes:

Crime Scene Investigation

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 the proper sequence for the collection of evidence.

Fingerprint Theory

The fundamental principles of fingerprints are examined, including the basic concepts of ridge pattern development, identification characteristics and classification methods.

Latent Fingerprint Development – Powders

The proper use of oxide, metallic and magnetic powders are discussed. Students will develop latent prints on a variety of porous and non-porous surfaces, glass and polished metals. Photographic techniques are covered along with the use of various print lifting devices such as tape, hinge lifters and rubber lifters.

Latent Fingerprint Development – Chemicals & Vapors

During this session, students will develop latent prints on various surfaces, utilizing iodine fuming, ninhydrin, DFO and silver nitrate. Chemical fixatives and removers will also be covered as well as the chemical development of latent blood prints. A second session is devoted to the development of latent prints using cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming techniques, sticky side powder and small particle reagents. Students will also learn the latest methods of locating and photographing latents without powder or chemical processing with SIRCHIE’S KRIMESITE ™ Imager.

Fingerprint Taking Techniques

Students will discuss and practice various techniques for achieving superior results when taking fingerprints and palm prints.

Fingerprint Classification and Comparison

Students will learn the fundamental techniques of fingerprint pattern interpretation in order to classify, search and file. The basics of comparison are reviewed.

Basic Photography and Crime Scene Sketching

Various procedures for taking crime scene photographs are discussed as well as the proper techniques for constructing crime scene sketches.

Biological Evidence

Students learn to presumptively identify biological fluids, including blood and seminal fluid, using various testing methods. Students will use chemical reagents to detect invisible traces of blood. The proper methods of collecting and handling rape and sexual assault evidence.

Controlled Substance Identification

Students will work with standardized presumptive field test kits to screen the most commonly abused drugs and narcotics.

Theft Detection Techniques

Students learn the uses of visible and invisible fluorescent powders, pastes, dyes, crayons, ink markers and other tagging devices.

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 Residue Collection

Students will learn the proper methods for collecting primer and gunpowder residues from the shooter’s firing hand and/or clothing.

Tire, Footprint, Tool Mark

Impression evidence types and their value in criminal investigation will be reviewed. Students will have the opportunity to experience first hand the casting of footwear and tire impressions using various mediums. In addition, castings of tool marks and other impressions will be demonstrated.

*Again, please contact me for details immediately if you’re interested in attending. This course is available to the first 20 people who register. Also, there will be a very brief registration period. The registration fee for the week-long course is $600, the same price paid by law enforcement (hotels, meals, and transportation are the responsibility of the attendees).

*Please DO NOT attempt to register for this event on the Sirchie website. Registration is not yet open. The courses you see on their website are for law enforcement ONLY.