Major Crimes Investigator

AIR550 - Collision Reconstruction

Experienced collision investigators seeking to master the complexities of analyzing traffic collisions and reconstruct the events should attend this course. The course expands on the fundamentals of crash investigation with special emphasis on crash reconstruction. Critical thinking skills are sharpened to enable the trained crash investigator to analyze and understand evidence found at the crash scene. Momentum, principle direction of force, Delta-V, vector analysis, and time/distance are highlighted in this course. Case studies, many based on crash tests with known quantities as a guide, are used to illustrate major learning points.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Course #78017.

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FSA101 - Forensic Photography I

Capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques is crucial to a proper criminal investigation. This course will address the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional crime scene documentation. Course instruction will be through lecture, case review, and practical exercises.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography Course #40053.

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FSA102 - Forensic Entomology

Forensic evidence of a crime scene can include the collection and preservation of entomological evidence resulting from the insect colonization of victims. Participants will learn to apply principles of forensic entomology to questions concerning victim transport, toxicology, and approximate time of death. Course instruction is through lecture, laboratory exercises, and field application.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Entomology Course #40061.

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FSA103 - Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

The science of bloodstain pattern analysis can assist investigators in making determinations, such as, relative positions of the victim or suspect, the nature of the force and weapon used, and the approximate number of blows struck during an assault. This course is designed for those who investigate crime scenes containing blood evidence, such as assaults and death investigation, as well as those who process bloodstained evidentiary items. Participants will learn the basic knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis, including methods and skills for the scientific interpretation of bloodstain evidence at crime scenes and on evidentiary items. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on experiments and practical application.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course #40057.

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FSA105 - Basic Criminal Investigation

This course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. From the initial response to case prosecution, officers will learn how to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Criminal Investigation Course #40051.

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FSA109 - Skeletal Death Investigation

Clandestine burial sites and scattered human remains pose serious issues for criminal investigators. This course is designed for those responsible for death investigations, including cold case death investigations dealing with skeletal remains. Participants will be introduced to the field of forensic anthropology and receive instruction in the recovery and analysis of human remains. Students will have the unique opportunity to excavate a cadaver while at the body farm at Texas State's Freeman Ranch. Course instruction is through lecture, case review, and field application.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Skeletal Death Investigation Course #40060.

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FSA110 - Death Investigation

From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.

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FSA112 - Forensic Photography II

Once an investigator has mastered basic forensic photography, there are advanced skills and techniques that can allow for greater effectiveness in documenting crime scenes and physical evidence.  Participants will learn photographic techniques such as low light/nighttime, ultraviolet, infrared, and laser photography.  Course instruction is through lecture, case review, and application exercises.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Photography II Course #40054.

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FSA113 - Basic Criminal Investigation (Online)

This online course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. From the initial response to case prosecution, officers will learn how to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Criminal Investigation Course #40051.

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FSA114 - Death Investigation (Online)

From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution.  This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator's role throughout the investigative process.

This course meets the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.

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FSA116 - Foundations of Forensic Photography

Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Forensic Photography course #667369.

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FSA117 - Forensic Fire Fatality Investigation

This unique course provides participants the opportunity for hands-on, science-based investigative fire death training utilizing live-burn training aids. Instruction will be on proper systematic processes for crime scene management from the initial scene approach through data collection, documentation, and evidence collection.

This course is eligible for 40 hours Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) credit.

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FSA118 - Foundations of Courtroom Testimony

Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony course #40065.

This course, along with the 24 hour Face-to-Face FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications, will meet the 40 hour Courtroom Testimony requirement for multiple Texas Forensic Science Academy Certificate Programs.

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FSA119 - Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications

Crime scene investigators and peace officers are expected to be expert witnesses. To be perceived as experts, they must establish credibility from the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with practical activities to develop and enhance their ability to give effective courtroom testimony. Activities include communication skills evaluations, presenting expert witness credentials, and mock testimony in a simulated courtroom.

This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony Course #40067.

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INV100 - Fire Investigator Phase I

This course satisfies a portion of the job performance requirements as described in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1033, Standard for Fire Investigator Professional Qualifications.

This is the first of three courses for those seeking certification through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association (SFFMA). Participants must complete all three courses to be eligible for TCFP or SFFMA.

This class does NOT offer Pro Board certification.

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