Virginia Division of Forensic Science
Training Schedule
The following courses are only available to employees of Virginia law enforcement agencies.
To submit an application to attend an event, click on "Submit an Application" for the appropriate event. In most cases a security code, provided by DFS, must be used to access the registration system. The security code for each event will be provided to the qualifying individuals and organizations at the appropriate time.
Participation in the 9-week Virginia Forensic Science Academy requires application through the DFS Training Section and there is typically a 1-2 year waiting list. A security code is not required to submit the Academy application.
For more information about any of the courses listed or about the online registration process, call the DFS Training Section at 804-786-6936 or e-mail fhatima.shands@dfs.virginia.gov.
Training Schedule
View a printable version of the following schedule.
Drug Evidence Seminar - 05/13/2008
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This seminar is designed to educate Law Enforcement Officers and Evidence Technicians in the most effective methods of collection, packaging, labeling and submission of drug evidence for laboratory analysis. Instruction will also include common and unusual drugs in the region, new trends locally and around the state, drug field test kits and clandestine labs. This seminar will take place at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Western Laboratory and there will be a limit of 30 students accepted. This course is open to graduates and non-graduates of the Forensic Science Academy.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Course is Full
IABPA Conference Update - 05/14/2008 - 05/15/2008
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary: This program is designed to keep bloodstain examiners abreast of information and technical developments concerning this important field that have been covered in the most recent IABPA conference. In addition, this meeting will provide the framework for statewide communication among bloodstain examiners. With the increase in the number of investigations that involve bloodstain examination, good communication will be very important. The program may also include practical exercises and discussion designed to compliment the information gained from the IABPA conference.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Regional Retraining Seminar - 05/16/2008
Northern Virginia
Event Details
Summary: This is an annual one day seminar for Academy graduates. The graduates receive updates and evidence handling reminders from the various laboratory disciplines. The Training Section takes this opportunity to update graduates on new techniques being taught in the academy. In addition, there is a discussion period which allows graduates to present concerns, new ideas, case studies, and other topics of interest.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Questioned Documents Seminar - 06/11/2008
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This seminar is a one-day course designed to provide an understanding of the various types of examinations the Questioned Document section is capable of performing. The methods and procedures used by the laboratory to identify handwriting will be explained, as will the methods for the proper collection and preservation of document evidence. Collection of known writing will also be an important part of the instruction. This area will include "hands-on" practical exercises. Registration will open approximately 60 days prior to the course date and remain open for 30 days.
Impression Evidence Collection - 06/17/2008 - 06/18/2008
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed to introduce crime scene investigators to techniques to locate, document and recover three dimensional and two dimensional impression evidence during a systematic approach of a crime scene investigation. This course will only accept 20 applicants.
The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course, however, attendees may choose to bring their own or agency issued equipment.
Crime Scene Sketching - 07/07/2008 - 07/11/2008
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed to teach crime scene investigators to accurately document a crime scene through rough sketches, measurements and detailed note taking. Students will be instructed in a variety of measurement techniques and documentation and will then be taught how to use the data gathered at the crime scene to produce scaled diagrams of the scene through mechanical drawings and computer drawings using Microsoft® Visio (all equipment and software will be provided by DFS). This course will be limited to 12 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Basic Digital Crime Scene Photography - 07/14/2008 - 07/18/2008
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed to introduce crime scene investigators to photographic theory and the basics of crime scene photography used during a systematic approach of a crime scene investigation. The course will also provide an overview of how photographic theory applies to digital technology and the need for protocols on the handling of digital images as evidence. The course will teach these principles using Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera equipment. The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course, however, attendees may choose to bring their own or agency issued equipment provided it is Digital SLR and includes all applicable equipment (flash unit, close-up rings, etc). If you choose to bring outside equipment, please bring the corresponding manuals as well and the instructors will try to accommodate you. This course will limited to 12 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Fingerprint Processing Seminar - 07/22/2008 - 07/23/2008
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed to introduce crime scene investigators to the collection, preservation and submission techniques used during a systematic approach of a crime scene investigation to maximize results. This course will utilize both lecture and practical exercises, so attendees should be prepared for hands on exercises and should dress appropriately for crime scene work. This course will only accept 15 applicants. The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course, however, attendees may choose to bring their own or agency issued equipment if they choose.
The course will be taught by the Latent Print and Photography Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences Western Laboratory location at 6600 Northside High School Road in Roanoke, VA from 9:00 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Questioned Documents Seminar - 07/24/2008
Eastern Lab - Norfolk
Event Details
Summary: This seminar is a one-day course designed to provide an understanding of the various types of examinations the Questioned Document section is capable of performing. The methods and procedures used by the laboratory to identify handwriting will be explained, as will the methods for the proper collection and preservation of document evidence. Collection of known writing will also be an important part of the instruction. This area will include "hands-on" practical exercises. Registration will open approximately 60 days prior to the course date and remain open for 30 days.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Basic Digital Crime Scene Photography - 08/11/2008 - 08/15/2008
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed to introduce crime scene investigators to photographic theory and the basics of crime scene photography used during a systematic approach of a crime scene investigation. The course will also provide an overview of how photographic theory applies to digital technology and the need for protocols on the handling of digital images as evidence. The course will teach these principles using Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera equipment. The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course, however, attendees may choose to bring their own or agency issued equipment provided it is Digital SLR and includes all applicable equipment (flash unit, close-up rings, etc). If you choose to bring outside equipment, please bring the corresponding manuals as well and the instructors will try to accommodate you. This course will limited to 12 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Familiarization Course - 08/18/2008 - 08/20/2008
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary: The purpose of this course is to discuss and demonstrate the basic principles involved in bloodstain pattern analysis and to review the many variables involved in the pattern creations, as well as the necessity for proper documentation, collection and packaging in regard to bloodstain evidence. Students will be taught through lecture, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Applicants must currently be assigned a position where processing crime scenes is one of their primary responsibilities. This course is not intended to meet the minimum requirements set forth by the IABPA or the IAI for training as a bloodstain pattern analyst. The course will be limited to 12 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Annual Retraining Seminar - 08/27/2008 - 08/29/2008
Virginia Beach
Event Details
Summary: This program is designed to keep Virginia Forensic Science Academy graduates abreast of changes in the expanding field of forensic science. In addition to classes presenting new developments in scientific investigative techniques, this training session will include sessions concerning laboratory topics and case studies emphasizing situations encountered at actual crime scenes as well as a legal update. There will be a Manufacturer/Retailer Exhibit, sponsored by the Alumni Association that will allow students to see some of the newest developments in crime scene search equipment.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Forensic Science Academy - 09/08/2008 - 11/07/2008
Central Lab
Event Details
Summary: The Virginia Forensic Science Academy is designed to give law enforcement officers the necessary training to enable them to fully utilize the expertise of the State Forensic Laboratory System. The nine week school provides classroom instruction by qualified forensic experts and numerous practical exercises and evidence collection demonstrations.
Students will have experience in simulated crime scenes and will be critiqued on the techniques used in physical evidence recovery.
Bloodstain examination and crime scene reconstruction will be presented to the students, providing an understanding of this important analytical tool.
Other areas of study will include the following: photography, crime scene protection, arson evidence, toxicology, medical examiner cases, drug evidence, forensic biology, trace evidence, toolmarks, firearms and bullet trajectory, crime scene sketching, evidence law, questioned documents, impression and latent print evidence, criminal investigative analysis.
Students participate in a vigorous academic program and are evaluated by performance in practical exercises, tests, homework assignments and a final mock crime scene.
After successfully completing the Academy course, the law enforcement officer should be able to:
- Demonstrate proper techniques of locating, recognizing, documenting and collecting items of physical evidence
- Preserve items of physical evidence
- Recognize the laboratory potential of physical evidence from crime scenes
- Properly package and submit physical evidence
Homicide Scene Seminar - 12/02/2008 - 12/05/2008
Richmond
Event Details
Summary: This week long seminar is designed to keep the Homicide Investigator, or the officer with special interest in this type of subject area, abreast of information and technical developments concerning this important field, and also to provide the framework for statewide communication among Homicide Investigators. Information will be presented through case study presentations of homicides or suspicious deaths, technical updates on the various forensic disciplines, and lectures of particular interest such as legal developments, criminal investigative analysis, or related crime issues (i.e.: sex offenses).
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Special Techniques for Advanced Photographers - 12/08/2008 - 12/12/2008
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary: This course is designed for experienced crime scene photographers who already possess a working knowledge of photographic theory and the basics of crime scene photography used during a systematic approach of a crime scene investigation. Students without this working knowledge will fall behind on day one. This course will introduce the student to advanced techniques such as paint with light and other low light techniques, luminol photography, ALS photography and wound / injury documentation. Students are encouraged to bring their own photography equipment, either 35mm or digital, provided it is Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera and includes all applicable equipment (flash unit, close-up rings, tri-pod, etc). If you choose to bring outside equipment, please bring the corresponding manuals as well. Those bringing digital cameras must also bring a laptop with the appropriate software loaded to download their images for photo processing. If you are unable to bring equipment from your agency, the Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE CLASS, APPLICANTS MUST INDICATE THEIR LEVEL OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE AND THE LEVEL OR AMOUNT OF TRAINING THEY HAVE RECEIVED IN CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE DIALOGUE BOX LABELED Duties, Responsibilities, & Experience Related to This Seminar AT THE BOTTOM OF THE APPLICATION.
This course will be limited to 12 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time