Short Courses

Derived from the National Forensic Academy curriculum, the NFSI offers 40-hour, specialized courses in various topics. These one-week training opportunities are available on a limited basis throughout the year, at both on-site and off-site locations nationwide. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Crime Scene Management

Upon completion of the Crime Scene Management course, participants have the knowledge necessary to command a crime scene. Practical exercises include: digital photography, crime scene diagramming, proper methods of casting footwear and tire impressions, basic bloodstain pattern analysis, dusting for prints and proper methods for collecting, packaging and preserving evidence.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

This course explores the development, history and advancement of bloodstain pattern interpretation. Participants learn to recognize, document, collect, preserve and examine bloodstain pattern evidence. Successful graduates of this course are eligible for admission into the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA).

Latent Print Processing

New and emerging technologies for latent print visualization, collection and documentation on various surfaces are taught in this course. Participants gain hands-on experience using the proper methods of recording fingerprints to ensure the prints contain useful data for analysis and comparison.

Digital Photography

This course covers the basic and advanced photographic techniques required to document crime scenes and accident scenes for court presentation. Topics include: functions and controls of digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) cameras, depth of field and motion control, close-up photography, functions and controls of detachable flash units, and solving lighting problems using fill-flash.

Crime Scene Management in Correctional Facilities

The Law Enforcement Innovation Center's (LEIC) National Forensic Academy (NFA) has completed the first two pilot courses of "Crime Scene Management in Correctional Facilities," a training initiative funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.

In December 2006, NFA staff, along with LEIC's Curriculum Development Team, met with subject matter experts from across the country to develop the new course.

"Crime Scene Management in Correctional Facilities" is a five-day, 40-hour, hands-on training program offering correctional investigators and security officers access to forensic evidence identification, documentation, collection, and preservation procedures.

The introductory level course blends facilitated learning and lecture periods with mock crime scenes and provides a safe and effective training environment for correctional personnel.

Thirty participants from across the state of Oklahoma participated in the first pilot course at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Facility, just outside of Oklahoma City. This working facility houses medium- and maximum-security female offenders, including those on death row.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections hosted the course and provided all of the training space, including classrooms and prison cells for use as mock crime scenes. The course included lecture discussions, mock crime scene exercises, and a final mock crime scene.

The second pilot course was held in August at the Tennessee Corrections Academy in Tullahoma.

One student said it was the best training he had participated in during his 16 years with the Department of Corrections.

Contact US

Mandy Johnson
Specialist

1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Suite 101
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: (865) 946-3201
Toll Free: (866) 449-5342
Fax: (865) 946-3214
mandy.johnson@tennessee.edu

Jennifer Benson
Coordinator

1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Suite 101
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: (865) 946-3235
Toll Free: (866) 449-5342
Fax: (865) 946-3214
jennifer.benson@tennessee.edu