International Association for Identification (IAI)

Physical evidence collected at the scene of a crime is often the single most critical element in criminal prosecution and conviction. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for conducting crime scene investigations and processing crime scene evidence. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on practical laboratory application, scenario-based practical application, and proper photography techniques.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Forensic Technician Course #40052 and Intermediate Crime Scene Search #2106.
Participant Testimonials:”I have never had better hands on instruction. This was the best course I have ever taken. [I] should have completed the course years ago.””This class not only met my expectations but exceeded them. I look forward to returning to work and applying what I have learned now.” Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”I feel much more comfortable and confident with my camera and the knowledge I’ve obtained will help tremendously in the field.””I knew nothing of the camera I came in with other than to shoot in ‘auto’ mode. I can now use the camera correctly and efficiently.” Show less

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. Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”One of the best classes I’ve been to!! I was very impressed with the knowledge and teaching skills of the instructors. Great course.””The instructors took the time to make sure every student understood the material. Very impressed!” Show less

Even with the advent of DNA and other forensic technologies, fingerprints continue to be one of the single most important methods for biometric identification and criminal investigation. During this course, participants will receive information and learn techniques and methods for processing latent fingerprints. Participants will learn how to enhance visible fingerprints from crime scenes, as well as from physical evidence. Course instruction is through lecture and practical laboratory application.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Latent Print Processing Course #40055.
Participant Testimonials:”This course is absolutely the most relevant course I have taken. I feel like I will be prepared when I enter into my internship.””The course exceeded my expectations. I have been working in this field for quite some time and did not expect to learn so much. The information gained was very applicable to my job duties.” Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”I am so much more confident in the ability to do my job after taking this course.””Both a new investigator and a seasoned investigator could benefit from this class.” Show less

Proper crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and documentation are key components to any criminal investigation. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for conducting investigations ranging from general crime scene investigations to death investigations. Course instruction is through lecture and case review with emphasis on practical application.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Intermediate Crime Scene Course #2106.
Participant Testimonials:”Excellent. The hands on is more than anywhere else I’ve seen. This class should be the standard.””I work patrol special assignments and investigations. What I learned in this class will improve my skills and abilities in the field.” Show less

Biological evidence resulting from violent crime presents unique and challenging issues for crime scene investigators. This course provides participants with information, techniques, and methods for processing and documenting violent crime scenes. Participants will learn how to assess assaults, sexual crimes, and homicides, as well as the physical evidence from such scenes. Course instruction is through lecture, case review, and practical application.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Processing Evidence of Violent Crimes Course #40058.
Participant Testimonials:”This was a very good training! I loved the hands on aspect.””The instructors were awesome and provided great insight of the crime scene applications and fundamentals.” Show less

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. Participants 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.
Participant Testimonials:”Excellent class for law enforcement personnel tasked with criminal investigations.” 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 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.
Participant Testimonials:”The objectives are realistic for an investigator without any death investigation training.””I think that regardless of one’s training this course can benefit any death investigator. Very applicable to our job as detectives.” Show less

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.
Participant Testimonials:”15 years CSI and still learned many new techniques.””They had great hands-on activities and materials which aided in the learning process for this course.” 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

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

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. Show less

Identification of suspects through fingerprint comparison is critical to many investigations. This course reinforces fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison and guides participants through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification). Emphasis is placed on activities where participants demonstrate their ability to identify levels of details in impressions, complete fingerprint classifications according to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Henry Classification systems, and conduct sufficiency assessments for comparison exercises. The course culminates with a series of final activities where participants conduct comparisons of latents to exemplars (for both fingerprints and palm prints) to reinforce the concepts learned in the course. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Latent Print Comparison I Course #40066. Show less