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.
Crime Scene Sketching - 07/20/2009 - 07/24/2009
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 to complete the course will be provided by DFS). This course will be limited to 12 students.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Familiarization Course - 08/03/2009 - 08/05/2009
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 in which 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.
Advanced Bloodstain Pattern Documentation Course - 08/06/2009 - 08/07/2009
Central Lab - Richmond
Event Details
Summary:
The purpose of this course is to review the proper protocols for bloodstain pattern documentation and expose students to methods of documentation where the patterns are present in challenging environments such as in vehicles or on bodies. Students will be taught through lecture, demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Applicants must currently be assigned a position where their responsibilities include processing crime scenes. 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. All students will be required to bring their own camera equipment - Digital single lens reflex camera, removable flash with sync cord and tripod. Please bring a laptop for viewing your images if one is available to you.
Questioned Documents Seminar - 08/12/2009
Eastern Lab - Norfolk
Event Details
Summary: This seminar is a half day course designed to provide an understanding of the various types of examinations the Questioned Document section is capable of performing. The methods for the proper collection and preservation of document evidence will be explained in this course. Collection of known writing will also be an important part of the instruction. This area will include "hands-on" practical exercises. This seminar will take place from 8:00 a.m. to Noon at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Eastern Laboratory and will be limited to 20 students.
Crime Scene Investigation - Vehicle Processing - 08/18/2009
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary:
This course provides the student with "best practice" recommendations for processing vehicles encountered during crime scene investigations. Topics of instruction will include: applying the Systematic Approach to vehicles; documenting the vehicle through photographs, notes and sketches; potential evidence considerations and collection techniques; and bloodstain pattern documentation. The class is limited to 30 students. Graduates of the Forensic Science Academy may attend for a review/update.
Impression Evidence Photography, Collect & Preservation for Crime Scene Investigators - 08/19/2009 - 08/20/2009
Central Lab - Richmond
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 of a crime scene investigation. Students will be given hands-on exercises in photography and casting techniques. This course will only accept 12 applicants. The Department of Forensic Science will supply ALL necessary equipment to complete the course.
Annual Retraining Seminar - 09/02/2009 - 09/04/2009
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.
Questioned Documents Seminar - 10/08/2009
Western Lab - Roanoke
Event Details
Summary: This seminar is a full day course designed to provide an understanding of the various types of examinations the Questioned Document section is capable of performing. The methods for the proper collection and preservation of document evidence will be explained in this course. Collection of known writing will also be an important part of the instruction. This area will include "hands-on" practical exercises. This seminar will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Western Laboratory and will be limited to 25 students.
Applications Are Not Being Accepted At This Time
Special Techniques for Advanced Photographers - 12/07/2009 - 12/11/2009
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. 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