Major Crimes Investigator

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

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

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

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

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

Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This online 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 online 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 online 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

Human trafficking has been described as one of the most atrocious crimes against humanity and 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 online 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