Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level II

Collecting and storing evidence is a crucial aspect of an investigation. This online course will teach participants how to properly manage and store property and evidence for investigative purposes. Participants will also complete interactive scenarios by applying Texas law and proven practices developed by the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT). The practices learned in this course may be superseded by your agency departmental policy.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Property Technician Course #40062. Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”This training has helped me to see where I could have done a better job with past cases and prepared me for better case work in the future.” Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”I was recently promoted to investigations and this course will definitely make me more capable of doing my job.””Course material was good and I would really recommend this course to any police officers whether they are new officers or veterans.” Show less

Identification of suspects through fingerprint comparison is critical for many investigators. This online course teaches participants the fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison while guiding them through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification). Participants will be provided with the history and science of fingerprint analysis and comparison while simulating the role of an expert witness in court.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison course #40063. Show less

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. Show less

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. Show less

Human trafficking has been described as one of the most atrocious crimes against humanity. Human trafficking is essentially a form of slave labor or involuntary servitude which involves the exploitation of humans for the sexual gratification of others and/or the exploitation of humans for any form of labor. Law enforcement, non-governmental agency personnel, and victim service providers all play a critical role in combating human trafficking in the state, the nation, and beyond. This course is a required course and was established by the legislature mandate 81R-HB4009. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Human Trafficking Course #3270 and Advanced Human Trafficking Course #3271. Show less

This online course prepares participants to be able to identify and select proper tools and equipment used by different law enforcement personnel. Participants will learn about the twelve different equipment categories, how to properly clean and store equipment, and how to use personal protection equipment to protect against biological hazards while tying together all information into practical activities. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Tools and Equipment course #667370. Show less

This online course prepares participants to establish and secure scene boundaries, utilize proper search methods, and scene documentation. Participants will learn case documentation techniques, such as note taking, videography, photography, sketches, and reports while tying together all information into practical activities.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Scene Basics course #2210. Show less

This online course prepares participants for basic fingerprint processing. Participants will learn about the powders, brushes, tape, and cards used for developing prints, and how to locate, process, and document prints while tying together all information into practical activities.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Fingerprint Processing course #3999. Show less

This online course prepares participants to be able to identify and select proper fingerprint processing techniques for difficult surfaces encountered in the field. Participants will learn about the three types of difficult surfaces and the associated processing techniques. All information will be tied together in a final activity whereby the participant will simulate the collection of a fingerprint from a piece of evidence identified as a difficult surface.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Fingerprint Processing  on Difficult Surfaces course #78051. Show less