AS FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY

TE AS FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY TM

"BETTER SCIENCE LEADS TO BETTER JUSTICE FOR ALL"

I strongly feel the courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy certificate program are a true benefit to both law enforcement agencies and the State of Texas. - Sheriff Joel W. Richardson, Randall County, TX

WHY THE FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY... JOB EFFECTIVENESS The Texas Forensic Science Academy emphasizes active learning through hands-on training. You will be taught by experienced practitioners and specialists. You will gain valuable experience by applying many of the collection processes and procedures in simulated crime scene environments or laboratories. This experiential learning leads to increased competence and confidence. The Texas Forensic Science Academy can make you a more valuable asset to your agency. PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY Credentialing, coupled with experience, is important for your professional credibility. Whether it is proving your value as an expert witness on the stand, getting a choice assignment or promotion, or moving into a desired job specialization, attainment of the Texas Forensic Science Academy certificates can make a difference in your career. ACCREDITATION AND COLLEGE CREDIT All of the courses taught through the Texas Forensic Science Academy are accredited as continuing education through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) and similar credit may be available through the peace officer standards and training agencies of other states. Many of the courses taught through the Academy are also accredited for continuing education through the International Association for Identification (IAI). Completion of the Forensic Technician, Forensic Investigator I and Forensic Investigator II certificates may also apply as college semester credit for people seeking a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree in Criminal Justice through an innovative program with Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System. 5

Today, well-trained forensic personnel are becoming a major component needed to increase the professionalism within the criminal justice system. More importantly, these personnel have a responsibility to ensure public confidence in the criminal justice system. Dr. James J. Vardalis, Director, Criminal Justice Studies, Tarleton State University 6

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS The Texas Forensic Science Academy has several programs of study that lead to recognized technical certificates including; Forensic Technician, Forensic Investigator (Level I & Level II), Major Crimes Investigator and Property and Evidence Management. These certificates are designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition within the criminal justice community. Texas Forensic Science Academy courses are accredited by IAI and TCLEOSE. FORENSIC TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR 1 CERTIFICATE FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR 2 CERTIFICATE REQUIRED COURSES: REQUIRED COURSES: REQUIRED COURSES: ELECTIVE COURSES (CHOOSE ONE): Forensic Entomology PROPERTY & EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE REQUIRED COURSES: MAJOR CRIMES INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATE REQUIRED COURSES: ELECTIVE COURSES (CHOOSE ONE): Blood Stain Pattern Analysis Forensic Photography II Collision Reconstruction Forensic Entomology Fire Investigator 7

By providing training in these fields, law enforcement s abilities to recognize integral pieces of evidence and properly collect it and preserve it will be enhanced. Subsequently, the interpretation of these scenes may lead to increased incarcerations of those responsible for these crimes. -Jeff Tomberlin, Assistant Professor, Forensic and Investigative Sciences - Entomology, Texas A&M University 8

COURSES FORENSIC TECHNICIAN - FSA100 80 HOURS This course provides participants with information, techniques and methodologies for conducting crime scene investigations and processing crime scene evidence. Photography is an integral part of this course. This course is equivalent to completing Crime Scene Investigation and Latent Print Processing. Crime scene searches and legality Crime scene documentation Evidence collection, packaging and preservation Electronic evidence CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - FSA106 Powder processing of fingerprints Fingerprint processing with chemicals and dyes Processing blood prints Processing fingerprints on difficult surfaces This course provides participants with information, techniques and methodologies for conducting investigations ranging from general crime scene investigations to death investigations. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on practical application. Crime scene searches and legality Preparation for crime scene investigations Crime scene documentation Collection, packaging and preservation of evidence LATENT PRINT PROCESSING - FSA104 Fingerprints and fingerprint processing Electronic evidence This course provides participants with information, techniques and methodologies for processing latent fingerprints and enhancing visible fingerprints found at crime scenes and on physical evidence. Physiology of latent prints Powder processing Latent print processing with chemicals, dye and non-powder processes Processing blood prints Processing fingerprints on difficult surfaces 9

COURTROOM TESTIMONY - FSA111 This course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony. Participants will learn about being identified as an expert witness and having evidence admitted at trial. Universal Communication Skills BASIC CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION - FSA105 ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE Report Preparation Testifying in Court appropriate for agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. Participants will learn to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations, from a response to the initial scene to case preparation and presentation for prosecution. Emphasis is placed on managing the legal processes involved in investigations, including preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Basic principles of criminal investigation Interview and interrogation techniques Utilizing informants Crime scene investigation LATENT PRINT PROCESSING - FSA104 Subpoenas, warrants and search warrants Case preparation Property crime investigations Crimes against persons investigations Other types of special topic investigations This course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to thorough, professional crime scene documentation. Forensic Photography I or a course equivalent is required for attendance to Forensic Photography II. Camera and film selection Camera operation Evaluating light Utilizing depth of field Common photographic errors Crime scene photography Photographic equipment Standards for digital evidence 10

PROCESSING EVIDENCE OF VIOLENT CRIMES - FSA108 This course provides participants with information, techniques and methodologies for processing and documenting violent crime scenes such as assaults, sexual crimes and homicides, as well as physical evidence found at crime scenes. Crime scenes and biological evidence Processing items for biological evidence Collection and packaging of biological evidence Collection of trace evidence SKELETAL DEATH PROCESSING - FSA109 Collection of impression evidence Processing firearms and ammunition for physical evidence Crime scene documentation This course is designed for those responsible for death investigations, including cold case death investigations dealing with skeletal remains. In this course, which introduces the field of forensic anthropology, participants will receive instruction in the recovery and analysis of human remains in forensic contexts. Human osteology BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS - FSA103 Assessment of trauma Estimating the postmortem interval Field recovery techniques for buried and scattered skeletal remains This course is designed for those who investigate crime scenes containing blood evidence, such as assaults and death investigations, as well as those who process bloodstained evidentiary items. The course provides participants with basic knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis, including methods and skills for the interpretation of bloodstain evidence at crime scenes and on evidentiary items. Participants will learn to make determinations such as the relative positions of the victim or suspect, the nature of the force and object used, and the approximate number of blows struck. History of bloodstain pattern analysis Utilizing bloodstain pattern analysis at crime scenes Measuring bloodstains Identification and analysis of bloodstain patterns Biological hazards in crime scenes Chemical processing of crime scenes Bloodstain pattern analysis and courtroom testimony 11

DEATH INVESTIGATION - FSA110 This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of death and includes the investigator's role from the initial scene investigation to courtroom presentation. Medical Examiner and Coroner Systems Types of Trauma Suicide FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY II - FSA112 Autopsy and Laboratory Capabilities Testifying in Court Ethical Concerns Coping with Stress This course addresses advanced aspects of forensic photography, including macro, nighttime and alternate light photography. Forensic Photography I or a course equivalent is required for attendance to Forensic Photography II. Equipment and basic exposure review Macro photography Reciprocity failure Flash photography Painting with light Shooting reconstructions Bloodstain photography Ultraviolet and infrared photography Photographic perspective TFSA Forensic Technician, Forensic Investigator Level I and II courses have been reviewed and approved by the International Association for Identification (IAI) as continuing education for Crime Scene Certification 12

ADDITIONAL TRAINING FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY - FSA102 This course addresses the collection, preservation and understanding of entomological evidence resulting from the insect colonization of victims. Participants will learn to apply principles of forensic entomology to questions concerning victim transport, toxicology and approximate time of death. Course instruction is through lecture, laboratory exercises and field application. Law enforcement application of forensic entomology Collecting and preserving entomological evidence Insects of forensic importance Environments in which bodies decompose Environmental factors affecting decomposition by insects BASIC PROPERTY TECHNICIAN - LET250 ONLINE 16 HOURS Collecting specimens from human remains Preserving collected specimens Rearing specimens collected from human remains Chain of custody and shipping issues This web-based course provides participants with information, techniques and procedures for managing property and evidence collected and stored for law enforcement purposes. The course includes interactive scenarios based on the application of Texas law and proven practices developed by the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT). The TEEX Basic Property Technician course is recognized by TAPEIT as meeting a portion of the requirements necessary to achieve the TAPEIT Property Technician Basic Certification. Chain of custody Packaging and documentation requirements Property room management 13

APPLY YOUR TFSA TRAINING CERTIFICATES TOWARD YOUR DEGREE THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS HAVE APPROVED TEXAS FORENSICS SCIENCE ACADEMY COURSES FOR COLLEGE CREDIT TOWARD AN ACCREDITED DEGREE. Tarleton State University offers the BAAS in Criminal Justice Administration program. The BAAS program is designed for employees of the criminal justice system seeking career advancement and academic credentials. You can complete the degree requirements online or at Tarleton campuses located in Stephenville, Ft. Worth and Waco, Texas. www.tarleton.edu Bethel University College of Public Service offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice or Emergency Services Management. These degree programs are delivered online to fit the lifestyles of working professionals ready to increase their potential. Whether students are interested in law enforcement, emergency management, homeland security or any other area of public safety, the College of Public Service has the tools students need to be successful. www.bethelu.edu TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY AND OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS THE TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE ACADEMY WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS AS BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN THE RESEARCH, DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF THE FORENSIC SCIENCE TRAINING PROGRAM. The Forensic and Investigative Sciences degree program of Texas A&M University (TAMU) prepares students for careers that involve the collection, preservation, processing and use of evidentiary information to solve problems. The collaboration between TAMU faculty and TEEX Subject Matter Experts has resulted in the creation of curriculum that reflects cutting edge technologies and The Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACTS) is a multifaceted forensic anthropological research, teaching and anthropology and body recovery for law enforcement personnel. www.txstate.edu 14

All forensic scientists have an ongoing obligation to remain current in their field through continuing education and other developmental activities... -National Institute of Justice Journal

"BETTER SCIENCE LEADS TO BETTER JUSTICE FOR ALL" TRAINING FACILITIES RIVERSIDE CAMPUS FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE The Texas A&M Riverside Campus is a 1,900-acre campus adjacent to State Highway 47 and Highway 21 west of Bryan, Texas. The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service occupies about 100,000 square feet of offices, classrooms and laboratories. The agency also maintains outdoor training facilities at Riverside, including overhead and underground electricpower training fields, a firing range and a live-fire shoot house for law enforcement officers, a heavy-equipment training field, an emergencyvehicle driving track, unexploded ordnance ranges and search grids and simulation prop houses for tactical training. Firearms Range Simulation Prop Houses Live-fire Shoot House TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING EXTENSION SERVICE Texas Law Enforcement Extension Program 200 Technology Way, College Station, TX 77845-3424 C13.6681.02 1.800.423.8433 publicsafety@teexmail.tamu.edu