Crash Investigators or reconstructionists understand the importance of precision and evidence-based analysis. This five-day, hands-on course is designed to elevate investigative capabilities by teaching attendees how to extract and analyze vehicle speed data from video footage. This training will equip students with the tools and techniques to apply video motion and analysis in real-world crash scenarios.

Officers will begin by reviewing foundational concepts from IPTM's At-Scene and Advanced Crash Investigation courses, then dive into specialized instruction on video metadata, scene diagramming, and motion analysis software. Through guided lessons, field exercises, and case studies, attendees will learn to calculate vehicle speeds using Constant, Uniform, and Average Time and Speed equations. The course culminates in a comprehensive review and final exam to validate proficiency.

Topics include: Identifying and interpreting video metadata; Techniques for diagramming crash scenes using manual, aerial and LiDar methods. Use of Kinovea and other video motion analysis software to isolate and analyze video frames, and much more!

PREREQUISITES: You must have completed IPTM's Crash Investigation II course or its equivalent.  REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Laptop capable of installing and running Kinovea software. Calculator with advanced functions (square root, sine/co-sine, and parentheses functions).  New Jersey officers will be given preference over out-of-state officers in the registration process.

Instructor: Heather Pulford

This training provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles and practices that drive success in the friction ridge examination process within the Latent Print discipline. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the scientific foundations of friction ridge analysis, the application of current standards and best practices, and the critical thinking skills required to conduct accurate, defensible examinations.

Emphasis is placed on applying methodology with consistency, documenting findings clearly, and effectively communicating conclusions to support investigations and courtroom testimony. This course is ideal for students exploring the Latent Print field, trainees developing foundational skills, and practicing examiners seeking a practical refresher to reinforce competence and confidence in their casework.

1. Introduction to Firearm and Toolmark Identification
2. Trace Evidence
3. Fire Pattern Investigation
4. Gun Shot Residue Collection and Testing

1. Det. I Christopher Kish and D/SFC. Christopher Clayton
2. Jennifer Crosbie-Loo, M.S.
3. Erik Mickelsen, IAAI-CFI
4. Christopher George, M.S.

This 40-hour workshop will offer hands-on training in fingerprint development, alternate light sources, photography, presumptive blood tests, and blood print development.  Students will participate in mock crime scene processing  and class presentations.   The class is geared to detectives and patrol officers in smaller departments who are responsible for investigating crime scenes.  

This course has been approved for 32 hours of certification/recertification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board and 32 hours of certification training credit by the IAI Forensic Photography Certification Board.

• Demonstrate effective leadership in high pressure environments
• Manage crime scene personnel, assignments, and resources
• Ensure proper evidence handling and documentation standards
• Maintain quality control and compliance with legal requirements
• Communicate effectively with command staff, investigators, prosecutors, and media
• Develop and mentor team members

Fee: $0 (sponsored by DOJ Grant)

Instructor: Joseph Cordoma, Ph.D.

Course Overview

Designed for all new Detectives/Patrol Officers/Investigators who are tasked with processing a crime scene, this course is designed to provide an introductory level understanding of what is involved with a proper crime scene investigation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and increase their comfort level regarding crime scene documentation and investigation by performing practical training during this event in addition to class lectures.

Training Highlights

• Introduction to crime scene investigation
• Discussing and applying the crime scene processing methodology steps
• Photography (day/night)
• Scene Diagramming
• Identification and preservation of evidence
• Evidence packaging
• Laboratory submissions

Topic(s) and/or order of topics may be subject to change at any time.

Practical Exercises:

• Initial functions at the scene with crime scene walkthroughs
• Application of the crime scene processing methodology steps
• Courtroom testimony

Each student is required to bring a camera (preferably a DSLR digital camera).

Training Highlights

Suspicious Activity Recognition for Bombing Prevention

• Provides public safety and security professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify suspicious activity for bombing prevention related to a facility/system or a planned or unplanned event.
• Includes an introduction to the BOMBER acronym and an overview of baseline behaviors, operational indicators, materials

IED Construction & Classification

• Provides an overview of the various components required for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production
• Designed to provide foundational knowledge about construction and classification of IEDs, including their function, components, classifications, and how they are constructed

Homemade Explosives (HME) & Precursor Awareness

• Provides foundational knowledge on HME and common precursor materials
• Define HME and learn to identify common precursor chemicals and materials used to make HME
• Learn how HME is used in an attack
• Prevent or mitigate explosive effects

Response to Suspicious Behaviors & Items

• Provides foundational introduction to recognizing & responding to suspicious behaviors and activities related to terrorist or criminal activities

Course Overview

Designed for law enforcement and private investigators who will be involved with the task of conducting a bloodstain pattern analysis, the focus of this 40-hour basic level course is on feature documentation of each bloodstain pattern type. Attendees will have an introduction into fluid dynamic concepts as they relate to bloodstains, followed by the proper analysis of bloodstain patterns from a bottom-up, feature-based approach through to pattern elimination, using case-context to determine the mechanism(s) that created each pattern.

Training Highlights

• Principles and theory behind bloodstain pattern formation
• Liquid blood behavior under certain conditions
• Liquid blood behavior on specific surfaces
• Defining bloodstains
• Documentation types and techniques
• Mathematical principles

Topic(s) and/or order of topics may be subject to change at any time.

Practical Exercises:

• Crime scene walkthrough
• Bloodstain pattern recognition
• Bloodstain documentation
• Interpretation and findings

Each student is required to bring a camera (preferably a DSLR digital camera).

Course Overview

• Hands-on training in bullet trajectory documentation using manual and digital methods
• Full trajectory reconstruction techniques
• Manual and advanced trajectory documentation methods with emphasis on errors and uncertainty
• Strong focus on measurement defensibility and courtroom readiness
• Includes multiple scenarios, mock court, and online certification exam

Agenda

Day 1 – Single Impact Methods (Foundations & Geometry)
Topics
• Bullet defect morphology and interpreting impact features
• Ellipse geometry fundamentals and trigonometry refresher
• Error sensitivity at shallow angles
• Manual and digital measurement approaches
• Lead-in (rocker) method considerations
Exercises
• Substrate interpretation lab using wood, drywall, and metal
• Manual ellipse measurements with calipers and angle calculations
• Error sensitivity worksheet (measurement variation impact)
• Digital ellipse fitting using CloudCompare on same impacts
• Lead-in method validation on metal panels only
• Single-shot mini case reconstruction

Day 2 – Rods, Photography & Coordinate Geometry
Topics
• Trajectory rod theory and installation
• Analog angle gauges and protractor measurements
• Photographic rod measurement techniques
• Laser trajectory projection methods
• Two-point/baseline offset coordinate math
• Angle conventions and coordinate systems
Exercises
• Rod installation and alignment lab
• Vertical angle measurement with analog gauge
• Horizontal angle measurement using 90° or printed protractors
• Photographic rod documentation and digital angle extraction
• Two-point coordinate calculations from measured X, Y, Z points
• Ceiling shot projection to floor reference for horizontal angle
• Vehicle grid measurement and reconstruction exercise
• Multi-impact wall reconstruction scenario

Day 3 – Pattern & Distribution Evidence (Applied Reconstruction)
Topics
• Shotgun pellet pattern behavior and ellipse fitting
• Distance estimation principles and calibration
• Cartridge case ejection theory and mapping
• Statistical interpretation and uncertainty analysis
Exercises
• Shotgun pattern collection at multiple distances and angles
• Digitizing pellets and best-fit ellipse analysis in CloudCompare
• Calibration curve creation for distance estimation
• Unknown pattern distance estimation exercise
• Cartridge case baseline mapping and coordinate recording
• Ground truth ejection study with known firearm/ammunition
• Shooter location inference with known and unknown trajectory scenarios

Day 4 – Capstone Scenarios, Mock Court & Certification
Morning – Multi-Scenario Practicum
• Teams rotate through several mock shooting scenes
• Document impacts, rods, coordinates, cartridge cases, and patterns
• Photograph, measure, calculate, and diagram each scenario
Midday – Assigned Presentation Preparation
• Each team assigned one scenario to formally present
• Prepare diagrams, calculations, trajectory graphics, and conclusions
• Justify method selection and describe uncertainty ranges
Afternoon – Presentations & Mock Court
• Team PowerPoint presentations
• Peer comparison of results between groups
• Instructor-led mock court questioning and literature-based defense
Final – Online Examination
• Individual online assessment using ClassMarker platform
• Covers methods, math, interpretation, and uncertainty
• Passing score required for Certificate

Required Equipment
• Digital camera preferred (phone camera acceptable)
• Laptop with CloudCompare or equivalent software installed
• Trajectory rods, lasers, protractors, angle gauges, and other tools provided by instructor

Training Highlights

Suspicious Activity Recognition for Bombing Prevention

• Provides public safety and security professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify suspicious activity for bombing prevention related to a facility/system or a planned or unplanned event.
• Includes an introduction to the BOMBER acronym and an overview of baseline behaviors, operational indicators, materials

IED Construction & Classification

• Provides an overview of the various components required for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production
• Designed to provide foundational knowledge about construction and classification of IEDs, including their function, components, classifications, and how they are constructed

Homemade Explosives (HME) & Precursor Awareness

• Provides foundational knowledge on HME and common precursor materials
• Define HME and learn to identify common precursor chemicals and materials used to make HME
• Learn how HME is used in an attack
• Prevent or mitigate explosive effects

Response to Suspicious Behaviors & Items

• Provides foundational introduction to recognizing & responding to suspicious behaviors and activities related to terrorist or criminal activities

This one day course is designed to expand upon the basic block of instruction on fingerprint identification and collection in the police recruit class.  The course will better prepare officers to identify and collect fingerprints while on scene and give them a better understanding of what tools and techniques are available in order to collect fingerprint evidence.  Topics to be covered will include a discussion on various supplies available on the market, best practices when dealing with specific surfaces and weather conditions, DNA collection, and best practices when collecting arrest fingerprints on a livescan machine.  This course involves several hands-on exercises using fingerprint powder.  Specific topics include hands-on exercises with black/magnetic powder on smooth and textured surfaces, hands-on exercises using small particle reagent, gel lifters, Ninhydrin, microsil and sticky side tape, fingerprint windows exercises, and challenges with â€‹fingerprinting vehicles   

 Students will receive a basic fingerprint kit as part of tuition, but can also bring other fingerprint supplies to practice with.

Recommended equipment to bring: Digital camera, Flashlight, Pocket Knife

$100 Tuition

Details

Course Overview

Designed for all Corrections Officers and/or Supervisors and Investigators who may be tasked with processing a crime scene within a correctional institution, this course is designed to provide an introductory level understanding of what is involved with a proper crime scene investigation to enhance their knowledge and increase their comfort level while inside a correctional institution or out in the field.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and increase their comfort level regarding crime scene documentation and investigation by performing practical training during this event, in addition to class lectures.

Training Highlights

• Introduction to crime scene investigation
• Discussing and applying the crime scene processing methodology steps
• Photography (natural light, artificial light, and low-light scenes)
• Identification and preservation of evidence (to include packaging)
• Scene diagramming
• Laboratory submissions

Topic(s) and/or order of topics may be subject to change at any time.

Practical Exercises:

• Initial functions at the scene
• Each step of the crime scene processing methodology
• Courtroom testimony

Each student is required to bring a camera (preferably a DSLR digital camera).

Training Highlights

Suspicious Activity Recognition for Bombing Prevention

• Provides public safety and security professionals with the knowledge and skills to identify suspicious activity for bombing prevention related to a facility/system or a planned or unplanned event.
• Includes an introduction to the BOMBER acronym and an overview of baseline behaviors, operational indicators, materials

IED Construction & Classification

• Provides an overview of the various components required for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production
• Designed to provide foundational knowledge about construction and classification of IEDs, including their function, components, classifications, and how they are constructed

Homemade Explosives (HME) & Precursor Awareness

• Provides foundational knowledge on HME and common precursor materials
• Define HME and learn to identify common precursor chemicals and materials used to make HME
• Learn how HME is used in an attack
• Prevent or mitigate explosive effects

Response to Suspicious Behaviors & Items

• Provides foundational introduction to recognizing & responding to suspicious behaviors and activities related to terrorist or criminal activities