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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Scene Forensic Technologist Training Manual

Issued: May 4, 2009 Version: CSTT09

Issued By: Forensic Quality Manager All printed copies are uncontrolled of 21

Table of Contents

Phase I

Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCES Unit 2 CRIME SCENE PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES

Unit 3 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION

Unit 4 CRIME SCENE AND EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY Unit 5 BASIC VIDEOGRAPHY Unit 6 CRIME SCENE SEARCH AND MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES Unit 7 COMPUTERIZED SKETCHING

Unit 8 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING AND RECORDING INKED PRINTS

Unit 9 DETECTION OF SUSPECTED BLOOD Unit 10 BIOLOGY / DNA Unit 11 TRACE EVIDENCE

Unit 12 FOOTWEAR AND TIRE IMPRESSION EVIDENCE Unit 13 FIREARM, TOOLMARK AND GUNSHOT RESIDUE




Unit 14 CHEMISTRY / TOXICOLOGY

Unit 15 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS Unit 16 DIGITAL EVIDENCE Unit 17 COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF AUTOPSY Unit 18 COURTROOM DEMEANOR AND TESTIMONY

Unit 19 WRITTEN, ORAL AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES

End of Table of Contents




Top Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of general laboratory policies and procedures. 2. Explain and describe the material contained in the training program. 3. Recognize what will be expected responsibilities as a FT in the crime scene section. 4. Describe the history and development of Forensic Science. 5. Define Forensic Science. 6. Explain the scientific foundation behind the collection and preservation of physical

evidence. 7. Explain what is meant by “chain of custody”. 8. Describe the legal aspects that govern crime scene processing and collection. 9. Identify the disciplines of a full service crime laboratory and what services are

preformed. 10. Discuss the role of science in the criminal justice system and the relationship of

crime scene analysis to other forensic sciences. 11. Identify the ethical issues in forensic science METHOD OF TESTING: Informal formative evaluation. TRAINING METHODS: Independent study, schedule appropriate time in each laboratory sections. REQUIRED READING: • FDLE Policies and Procedures Manual • Forensic Services Quality Manual (FSQM) • Crime Scene Training Program-Forensic Technologist Goals and Objectives • Standard Operation Procedures-Crime Scene • Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science- Chapters 1,2,3 pages 69 – 78,

Richard Saferstein • Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation – Chapters 3 Barry A.J. Fisher • Forensic Science- An Introduction to Criminalistics- Chapter 1, Peter R. DeForest,

R.E. Gaensslen, Henry C. Lee • The trainee will either read “Ethics in Forensic Science: Professional Standards for

the Practice of Criminalistics by Peter D. Barnett” or view on DVD “Ethics in the Forensic Sciences: Value Based Decision Making presented by Dan Gunnell”

HOURS: 40




Top Unit 2 CRIME SCENE SAFETY, PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge in the appropriate Crime Scene safety protocols and

procedures 2. Know the storage location and proper use of personal safety equipment. 3. Know the proper use of storage and handling of chemicals in the laboratory and at

the crime scene. 4. Know the importance of removal of biohazard wastes. 5. Know the importance of proper cleaning of equipment. 6. Communicate the safety procedures whether in the laboratory or at a crime scene. 7. Communicate the evacuation routes in the laboratory in regards to fire safety. 8. Demonstrate a working knowledge of all crime scene materials and equipment. 9. Demonstrate the ability to maintain to maintain and stock the crime scene truck in

accordance with department policy. 10. Utilize logbooks on chemicals and equipment. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercise. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, safety presentation with safety officer, Inventory of the Crime Scene vehicle REQUIRED READING: FDLE Safety Manual Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 4 Barry A.J. Fisher HOURS: 8




Top Unit 3 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the basic skills in the use of the available photographic equipment. 2. Know the basic controls of a camera. 3. Recognize the correlation between f-stops and shutter speeds. 4. Define commonly used photographic terms. 5. Describe and use various lighting methods. 6. State the functions and mm size of wide angle, normal and macro lens. 7. Identify the adjustments must be made to the camera to improve the depth of field. 8. Demonstrate the ability to take good quality photographs. 9. Describe how to utilize manual, program, aperture and shutter priority modes of the

camera. 10. Explain the advantages of crime scene sketches in connection with crime scene

photographs. 11. Explain and demonstrate the proper procedure for cleaning the cameras and

equipment. 12. State the main purposes for note taking. 13. List those considerations that need to be addressed when recording notes. 14. Identify essential items of information necessary to generate a report. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Close Up and Macron Photography for Evidence Technicians Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 James A. McDonald The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography Chapters 1, 2, 4, 10 David R. Redsicker Forensic Science An Introduction to Criminalistics Appendix #3 Peter R. DeForest, R.E. Gaensslen, Henry C. Lee Camera Equipment Manuals HOURS: 80




Top Unit 4 CRIME SCENE AND EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Utilize appropriate procedure, lighting, perspective, corrective measures and

measuring devices in photography at a crime scene. 2. Identify what filters should be used in photographing with the alternate light source. 3. Demonstrate the procedures used in photographing the luminol enhancement. 4. Demonstrate how to properly create examination quality photographs. 5. Describe the procedures for photographing footwear and tire impression evidence. 6. Demonstrate the proper method used in photographing bloodstain patterns. METHOD OF TESTING: Written testing and practical exercise. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, practical exercises. REQUIRED READING: Intrepretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scene Chapter 6 Stuart H. James, William G. Eckert The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography Pages 137 – 151, 223 – 232 David Redsicker Footwear Impression Evidence 2nd Edition Page 58 William Bodziak HOURS: 24




Top Unit 5 BASIC VIDEOGRAPHY OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate basic proficiency with a video camera in day and nighttime

videography. 2. Define commonly used video recording terms. 3. Explain the basic controls of the video camera. 4. Utilize appropriate procedure, lighting, perspective, corrective measures and

measuring devices in video recording the basic crime scene. METHOD OF TESTING: Written testing and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, practical exercise, view crime scene videos (if available) REQUIRED READING: The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography Chapter 4 David Redsicker Video camera manuals HOURS: 4




Top Unit 6 CRIME SCENE SEARCH TECHNIQUES AND STANDARD

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Identify what a “work area” is and what it is used for. 2. Identify items needed for a complete crime scene sketch. 3. Demonstrate ability to measure and sketch a crime scene. 4. Describe methods of measuring to determine locations of evidence and objects to be

recorded. 5. Demonstrate which search patterns is best for any given crime scene. 6. Utilize appropriate crime scene search techniques and patterns to locate physical

evidence. 7. Identify the various types of measurement techniques used in crime scene

documentation. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercise. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture and demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 5 Barry A.J. Fisher Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science Chapter 3 Richard Saferstein Criminal Investigation Pages 123 – 133 James Osterburg, Richard H. Ward Handbook of Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology Chapters 1 and 2 Morse, Duncan, Stoutamire HOURS: 8




Top Unit 7 COMPUTERIZED SKETCHING OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the ability to utilize computer-sketching programs to generate a

completed crime scene sketch for courtroom purposes. METHOD OF TESTING: Practical exercises (if software programs are available) TRAINING METHODS: Independent study REQUIRED READING: Manuals related to software sketching programs HOURS: 4




Top Unit 8 LATENT PRINT PROCESSING AND RECORDING INKED PRINTS OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Develop latent prints through various mechanical and physical techniques. 2. Demonstrate the correct methods of packaging and preserving items, which may be

processed for latent prints. 3. Describe the chemical techniques used for blood enhancement of latent prints. 4. Demonstrate the correct method for taking elimination fingerprints. 5. Demonstrate the correct method for taking major case prints. 6. Explain the proper recovery techniques for latent prints. 7. Utilize chemical use logbooks. 8. Demonstrate the use of a gelatin/rubber lifter. 9. Explain and demonstrate the utilization of latent print powders and lift tape. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstrations. REQUIRED READING: Forensic Science An Introduction to Criminalistics pages 331 – 351 Peter R. DeForst, R.E. Gaensslen, Henry C. Lee Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science Chapter 14 Richard Saferstein Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Pages 99 – 123 Barry A.J. Fisher Criminal Investigation Pages 62 – 76 James W. Osterburg, Richard H. Ward HOURS: 24




Top Unit 9 DETECTION OF SUSPECTED BLOOD AT THE CRIME SCENE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Describe how to perform a visual search for the presence of suspected blood at

crime scenes. 2. Utilize presumptive tests on suspected stains at the crime scene. 3. Utilize chemical logbooks. METHOD OF TESTING: Practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study and demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes Chapters 1 and 7 Stuart H. James, William G. Eckert Criminal Investigation pages 83 - 88 James W. Osterburg, Richard H Ward HOURS: 4




Top Unit 10 BIOLOGY/DNA OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the correct procedures utilized in drying items of evidence. 2. Explain the purpose of drying evidence. 3. Choose the appropriate medium in which to package the suspected blood item. 4. Demonstrate the ability to properly biohazard label the packaging. 5. Describe the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of blood and other

body fluids. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science Chapters 12 and 13, Appendix III Richard J. Saferstein Practical Homicide Investigation Pages 536 – 563 Vernon J. Geberth Criminal Investigation pages 88– 97 James W. Osterburg, Richard H Ward Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 8 Barry A.J. Fisher Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Schedule appropriate time in the biology section with an assigned biologist. HOURS: 6




Top Unit 11 TRACE EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Define trace evidence. 2. Identify the importance of the Locard Exchange Principle. 3. Describe the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of hair, fibers,

paint, glass, fabric, fabric marks and other types of trace evidence, including standards and controls.

4. Demonstrate the ability to make a paper packet for the collection of trace evidence. 5. Demonstrate the ability to utilize the trace vacuum for evidence collection. 6. Describe the importance of standards and demonstrate how to collect standards. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science Pages 103 – 107, Chapter 8 Richard Saferstein Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 7 Barry A.J. Fisher Schedule appropriate time in the trace evidence section with an assigned analyst. HOURS: 4




Top Unit 12 FOOTWEAR AND TIRE IMPRESSION EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Describe the proper techniques for the preservation of shoe and tire impression

evidence at a crime scene. 2. Identify the reasons why footwear and tire impression evidence is often overlooked. 3. List specific areas and items where footwear and tire impressions can be located. 4. Explain the techniques for locating footwear and tire impressions evidence. 5. Differentiate between two-dimensional and three-dimensional impressions. 6. Properly document and collect a three-dimensional impression. 7. Properly document and collect a two-dimensional impression. 8. Explain and demonstrate the use of an electrostatic lifting device. 9. Explain and demonstrate the use of chemical enhancement techniques. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test and practical exercises. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Footwear Impression Evidence; 2nd Edition Chapters 1, 2, 3 William Bodziak Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation pages 250 - 260 Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science Appendix VI Richard Saferstein HOURS: 4




Top Unit 13 FIREARM, TOOLMARKS AND GUNSHOT RESIDUE EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Identify the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of firearms,

toolmark and gunshot residue evidence, including standards and controls. 2. Understand the basic firearm examination as performed in a crime laboratory. 3. Identify firearm evidence. 4. Identify toolmark evidence. 5. Recognize the potential evidence relating to the Gunshot Residue field of forensic

science. 6. Demonstrate the proper technique for the collection of a Gunshot Residue Kit. 7. Demonstrate the ability to follow procedure for rendering a firearm safe. 8. Demonstrate how to collect toolmark evidence utilizing casting techniques. 9. Demonstrate how to document toolmark evidence utilizing photography techniques. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test, demonstration of rendering firearm safe. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science; Chapter 15, Appendix II Richard Saferstein Gunshot Wounds Chapters 1 and 2 Vincent J.M. DiMaio Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 10 Barry A.J. Fisher Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence Pages 17 –25 Brian J. Heard Firearm Familiarization Manual Firearm training website Firearm Inspector Training Program: Firearm training website Schedule appropriate time in the firearm section with an assigned analyst. HOURS: 16 Hours for direct instruction and practical exercises. The period of supervised firearm inspection may vary.




Top Unit 14 CHEMISTRY/TOXICOLOGY EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of controlled

substances, including standards and controls. 2. Demonstrate the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of toxicology

evidence, including standards and controls. 3. Recognize the potential of chemistry and toxicology evidence may be biohazard and

mark and label accordingly. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science; Chapters 9 and 10 Richard Saferstein Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Chapter 12 Barry A.J. Fisher Schedule appropriate time in the chemistry section with an assigned analyst. HOURS: 2




Top Unit 15 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Describe the proper techniques for the collection and preservation of document

evidence, including exemplars. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture and independent study. REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science; Pages 453 – 468 Richard Saferstein HOURS: 2




Top Unit 16 DIGITAL EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Recognize potential evidence relating to the digital evidence field of forensic science. 2. Describe the proper methods for the collection and preservation of computer

evidence. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study. REQUIRED READING: Crime Laboratory Evidence Submission Manual; FDLE Criminal Investigation Chapter 20 James W. Osterburg, Richard H. Ward Schedule appropriate time in the DE section with an assigned analyst. HOURS: 2




Top Unit 17 COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF AUTOPSY EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Describe the proper methods for the collection and preservation of evidence from the

deceased at autopsy. 2. Demonstrate the correct techniques for obtaining postmortem prints to include major

case prints. 3. Demonstrate the ability to properly document the human remains through the use of

notes and photography. 4. Identify the photographic techniques necessary for the documentation of identifying

characteristics (i.e. bitemarks, tattoos, wounds, stippling, enhancements, etc.). 5. Explain the analytical possibilities concerning evidence obtainable from the autopsy. METHOD OF TESTING: Written test, attendance and demonstration at an autopsy. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation Pages 443 – 494 Barry A.J. Fisher Forensic Pathology Chapters 1, 2, 4, 9 Dominick J. DiMaio, Vincent J.M. DiMaio Gunshot Wounds Chapters 4, 5, 8, 9 Vincent J.M. DiMaio Practical Homicide Investigation Pages 238 – 241 Chapter 18 Vernon Geberth HOURS: 24




Top Unit 18 COURTROOM DEMEANOR AND TESTIMONY OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the appropriate courtroom appearance. 2. Demonstrate the appropriate courtroom demeanor. 3. Render professional courtroom expert testimony. 4. Discuss important consideration of courtroom procedures, laws and testimony. METHOD OF TESTING: Practical exercises and summative questioning. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science Pages 14 –16 Richard Saferstein Forensic Science An Introduction to Criminalistics Pages 46 –48 Peter R. DeForest, R.E. Gaensslen, Henry C. Lee Criminal Investigation Page 52 James W. Osterburg, Richard H. Ward Techinques of Crime Scene Investigation Pages 18 – 20 Barry A.J. Fisher Courtroom Testimony Techniques “Success Instead of Survival” Pages 1 – 64 Ron Smith HOURS: 24




Top Unit 19 WRITTEN, ORAL AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this unit of instruction, the trainee will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the ability to function effectively as a Forensic Technologist for the

crime scene section by completing written, oral and practical examinations. 2. Demonstrate the ability to assist the processing of a crime scene in its totality in

accordance with FDLE crime scene standard operating procedures. METHOD OF TESTING: Written and competency test. TRAINING METHODS: Lecture, independent study, demonstration. REQUIRED READING: All previous assignments. The remaining chapters from the required books are recommended for completion as time permits. HOURS: 16

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