Virginia Department of Forensic Science
Training Schedule
The following courses are only available to employees of Virginia law enforcement agencies.
In addition to the below courses, DFS also offers the Virginia Forensic Science Academy, a nine week, performance based training course. Click here for course information and details on the application process.
To submit an application to attend an event listed below, click on "Submit an Application" for the appropriate event. A security code, provided by DFS, must be used to access the registration system. Once registration for a course opens, the security code for that course will be sent by email to agencies’ training coordinators or designated points of contact.
Virginia Forensic Science Academy
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.
Microsoft® Visio 2010 Workshop - 05/21/2013 - 05/22/2013
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary:
This class is intended for personnel who utilize this or a previous version of Microsoft® Visio or whose agency is considering utilizing Microsoft® Visio 2010 in the near future.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE CLASS, APPLICANTS MUST INDICATE THEIR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE UTILIZING MICROSOFT® VISIO IN THE DIALOGUE BOX LABELED “Duties, Responsibilities, & Experience Related to This Seminar” AT THE BOTTOM OF THE APPLICATION.
The Department of Forensic Science has the necessary equipment and resources to accept 12 students into the course. However, if you have access to a laptop with Microsoft® Visio 2010 and can bring it with you to this workshop, we may be able to accommodate more students. If you are able to do this, please also indicate this in the above mentioned dialogue box.
The course will be taught by the Forensic Training Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science located at 737 N. 5th Street in Richmond, VA from 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Basic Digital Crime Scene Photography - 06/03/2013 - 06/07/2013
Central Lab - Richmond, VA
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 to 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.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Course is Full
Crime Scene Panoramas and Virtual Tour Software SceneVision™ - Panorama - 06/18/2013 - 06/20/2013
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary:
This workshop is designed to introduce experienced crime scene photographers to this new and trending method of crime scene documentation. Through multiple hands on exercises, students will have the opportunity to create their own panorama and virtual walk through of a mock crime scene. They will also be able to leave with a virtual walk through finished product on a CD that will be playable in any computer’s disk drive.
You must indicate in the “Duties, Responsibilities, & Experience Related to This Seminar” AT THE BOTTOM OF THE APPLICATION if your agency uses this system, another panorama system or none at all. We WILL consider accepting more than one applicant from the same agency for this course.
This course will be limited to 12 students and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
The course will be taught by the Training Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science located at 737 N. 5th Street in Richmond, VA from 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Crime Scene Topics - 07/08/2013 - 07/11/2013
Virginia Beach, VA
Event Details
Summary:
The purpose of this course is to introduce law enforcement personnel to a variety of principles and skills associated with crime scene processing. Instruction on topics such as crime scene photography, crime scene sketching and alternate light sources will be given through classroom lectures and hands-on exercises. Students should bring the cameras they utilize in the performance of their assignments, whether they are complete SLR camera kits or simple point and shoots, to use during the class exercises. Also, if a laptop is available to you, please bring one for reviewing your photographs. This course will be limited to 16 students and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
The course is being delivered by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science at the Virginia Beach Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 at 961 Birdneck Rd S, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Forensic Topics - 07/12/2013
Eastern Lab - Norfolk, VA
Event Details
Summary:
During this one day course, law enforcement personnel will hear about capabilities and services of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. The Forensic Biology, Trace Evidence, Latent Print and Firearms instruction will be delivered by the scientists who perform the work on the evidence you submit.
This course will be limited to 25 students and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies (including Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices).
The course will be taught by the Training Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s Eastern Laboratory located at 830 Southampton Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Impression Evidence Photography, Collection and Preservation for Crime Scene Investigators - 07/22/2013 - 07/23/2013
Northern Lab - Manassas
Event Details
Summary:
This course is designed to introduce crime scene investigators to techniques for locating, photographing and recovering three dimensional and two dimensional impression evidence during a systematic approach to a crime scene investigation. Students will be given hands-on exercises in photography, casting and lifting techniques. This course will only accept 12 applicants and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course.
This course will be held at the Department of Forensic Science’s Northern Laboratory located at 10850 Pyramid Place in Manassas, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Alternate Light Source (ALS) and Bluestar® - 07/24/2013 - 07/25/2013
Norther Lab - Manassas
Event Details
Summary:
In this two day hands-on workshop students will learn how to deploy each of these valuable tools in a crime scene environment. In addition to learning the proper methods of usage, students will learn through practical exercises the best methods of photographic documentation of positive reactions in laboratory and field settings.
This course is designed for personnel who process crime scenes and have knowledge of crime scene photography utilizing Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. The techniques learned in this course cannot be applied with standard “point and shoot” digital cameras due to extended shutter times. The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course. Students may choose to bring their own photography equipment, provided it is an SLR digital camera and includes all applicable equipment (flash unit, close-up rings, tri-pod, etc) as well as their own ALS equipment. If you choose to bring outside equipment, please bring the corresponding manuals as well. Those bringing their own digital cameras must also bring a laptop with the appropriate software loaded to download their images for viewing. This course will only accept 12 applicants and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
This course will be held at the Department of Forensic Science’s Northern Laboratory located at 10850 Pyramid Place in Manassas, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Basic Digital Crime Scene Photography - 08/05/2013 - 08/09/2013
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 to 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 be limited to 12 students and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
The course will be taught by the Training Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science located at 737 N. 5th Street in Richmond, VA from 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Annual Retraining Seminar - 08/28/2013 - 08/30/2013
Virginia Beach, VA
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 providing updates concerning laboratory topics, case studies addressing situations encountered at actual crime scenes will be presented 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.
We are also making a call for presenters. If you would like to get on the program to share anything with your fellow graduates (new technology or crime scene processing method, case study, etc.) please contact Jeff Dwyer at 804-588-4144 or jeffrey.dwyer@dfs.virginia.gov).
Special Techniques for Advanced Photographers - 12/09/2013 - 12/13/2013
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 to a crime scene investigation. This course will introduce the student to advanced techniques such as paint with light and other low light techniques, Bluestar® photography, Alternate Light Source photography and wound / injury documentation. Students are encouraged to bring their own photography equipment, provided it is a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) digital 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 review. 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 and is restricted to personnel from Virginia law enforcement agencies.
The course will be taught by the Training Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science located at 737 N. 5th Street in Richmond, VA from 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s classes will start midday and proceed into the evening hours.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time