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The UK's largest dedicatedinvestigative training company
web: www.sancussolutions.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 1772 977606
InvestigativeTrainingInternationalBrochure
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ContentsOur Company 3-4
Effective Investigator Programme 5
Using The Internet As An Investigative Tool 6
Field Impairment Testing (FIT) Drug Recognition Testing (DRT) 7
Advanced Road Death Investigation Course 8
Basic Crime Scene Investigation Course 9
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation Course 10
Crime Scene Management 11
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course 12
Body Fluid Reporting 13
Case Assessment and Interpretation 14
Footwear & Marks Comparisons 15
Forensic Statement Writing 16
Forensic Toxicology Reporting 17
Introduction to Body Fluids For The Forensic Practitioner 18
Quality Systems 19
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Our Company
Sancus Solutions is the United Kingdom’s largest dedicated provider of investigative training. Thecompany is owned and managed by three former senior police officers who have extensive careersmanaging high level investigations including serious crimes such as murder and rape. Since leaving theirrespective police forces the directors have focussed on developing and presenting practical training forthose involved in the criminal justice system. During the previous two years Sancus has been requestedto deliver training to more than sixty separate organisations including many Government departmentsand public sector investigative bodies.
Sancus representatives have been involved in delivering international investigative training in manycountries including Romania, South Africa, Jamaica, The United States, Canada, Russia, Trinidad andTobago, Greece, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Addis Ababa and Ethiopia
The company also advises and consults on the design of training facilities and extended programmes.
Sancus Training
When Sancus training is delivered this is guaranteed to be by experienced operational professionals. Thebroad range of subject matter includes topics such as anti-corruption, investigating fatal road collisions,use of open source intelligence on the internet, crime scene investigation and forensic science.
Mick Turner - One of the founding Directors of Sancus Solutions Mick enjoyed a thirty years police careeras an investigator with Lancashire Constabulary reaching the rank of Detective Superintendent. He haspersonally been involved in more than two hundred murder enquires, fifty of these as the seniorinvestigating officer.
Since leaving the police Mick has been involved in the design and delivery of a number of innovativeinvestigative training products and has lectured at the University of Central Lancashire. He has alsoworked with the National Policing Improvement Agency on the standardisation of training for seniordetectives. Mick is also a regular columnist for Janes’ Police Review the leading UK publication for policeofficers.
Tony Hester - Sancus Director Tony Hester is also a former Detective Superintendent. During his timewith the Metropolitan Police, as Head of the world renowned Metropolitan Police Crime Academy, Tonytook responsibility for the development of Detectives within the Metropolitan Police, including NewScotland Yard and introduced the National Training Programme for new Detectives. He also oversaw thedevelopment of Senior Investigating Officer training and developed investigative training for communitypolice officers. Tony has designed and delivered training in Russia, Greece, South Africa, Jamaica andTrinidad and Tobago.
Tony Hutchinson - Was a Detective Superintendent with Cleveland Police heading the force’s murderinvestigation team for seven years. During that time Tony led many high profile investigations. Tony hasbeen involved internationally in both training and investigation. The countries he has worked in includeDenmark, The Netherlands, the USA and Canada. He was invited to study with retired profilers from thefamed FBI Behavioural Science Unit, which he did in both the USA and the Netherlands. Tony is a fullassociate of the International Academy of Forensic Psychologists.
Tony has been published in the Homicide Journal, a national police journal of some prominence. He hasalso written articles for a number of legal journals. He is an Associate Tutor for the ‘Press Association’,which sees him training journalists in what they can expect from the police at a press conference.He has been a visiting lecturer to UK universities, lecturing on homicide and behavioural sciences.Tony is the third of the three founding directors of Sancus Solutions.
Our People
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Susan Carney - For ten years Susan was a Forensic Scientist with The Forensic Science Service. Her areasof expertise include body fluids, DNA interpretation and specialist DNA techniques. She currently workswith the Sexual Offences Team and is the lead scientist for the laboratory on body fluids. Susan has givenexpert testimony at Crown Court on many occasions and has accrued a wealth of experience in thereporting of complex casework.
Sexual offences and cold case reviews remain her area of special interest. Susan has provided training onthe forensic investigation of sexual offences and DNA profiling to various police forces. She has taught onthe National Policing Improvement Agency’s specially trained Officers’ Development Program relating torape investigation and on the national Crime Scene Managers’ course. Susan has also tutored on the FSSin house Expert Witness and Case Assessment and Interpretation courses
Aleksander Cichocki - Aleksander Cichocki was a police officer and crime scene investigator serving withLancashire Constabulary for 30 years. During this time he was involved in numerous murderinvestigations, leading many of these as the Crime Scene Manager or Crime Scene Coordinator.He has been involved in the delivery of training to police officers since 1990 and was the main trainer inforensic matters in the constabulary. He has lectured to university forensic students, various fireinvestigation courses and National Health Service Paramedics.
Since leaving the police, Alex has used his forensic training and investigative skills to develop and deliverauthoritative and practical training products to overseas police forces. He has worked as an associatelecturer with the National Policing Improvement Agency - International Training, delivering various CSIcourses to overseas police forces mainly in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Addis Ababaand Ethiopia.
Paul Callaghan - Paul Callaghan has been an expert photographer since 1987 and joined the police in1999 as crime scene investigator (CSI). Paul spent 11 years within various UK police forces and became asenior CSI manager. During his service he was crime scene manager on many high profile cases andnumerous murder investigations and specialized in such areas as CBRN and disaster victim identification(DVI).
Since leaving the police Paul has concentrated on specialist forensic training and has provided this foroverseas police forces. The training has been provided in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and AddisAbaba and Ethiopia as an associate lecturer for the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA).
Robbie Burns - Robbie Burns served for thirty years as a Police Officer with Cheshire Constabulary. Hespecialised in roads policing, drug recognition techniques and in the detection of impaired driversthrough drugs & alcohol. He was the first to introduce these skills to Cheshire Police and many othernorth west and UK police forces.
He became one of only several national trainer of trainers with ACPO accreditation. He qualified inAmerica with the California Highway Patrol as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and was part of aspecialised unit investigating serious and fatal collisions. He is also a vastly experienced family liaisonofficer.
Our People cont.
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Effective Investigator Programme
To be effective, any investigation has to be robust, yet proportionate and compliant with Human Rightslegislation. In today’s world the product of an investigation is likely to be subject to a high level of legalscrutiny whether this is in a courtroom, tribunal or public inquiry. Sancus Solutions have designed anumber of investigative training modules to enable all those responsible for undertaking investigations toconduct them to a standard which will satisfy all judicial inquiries.
Who are the courses for?
These courses are designed for all those whose role includes an investigative function; whether you workfor a statutory investigative body, or are required to conduct an internal misconduct enquiry, theinvestigative principles are the same. The input will be relevant to investigators from all backgrounds.
The various modules will enable delegates to have a thorough understanding of how to undertake aninvestigation from instigation to its ultimate conclusion.
The modules are• Principles of an Investigation• Witness Management• Exhibit Management• Suspect Management – Planning and carrying out interviews
Each module can be taken as a standalone course or delegates can choose to undertake the full series.The content can be tailored to the particular roles of the audience.
What are the courses about?
What do the courses deliver?
Presented by former UK police detectives who have been involved in major investigations the moduleswill explain how to undertake each facet of an investigation; what investigative strategies should beconsidered; and what is considered best practice. Delegates will undertake various exercises in order thatthey can understand the principles of investigations.
At the conclusion of each module, delegates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of thatparticular strand of the investigation. By conducting the investigation in an ethical manner in accordancewith all necessary law and procedures, the delegate will ensure that all evidence gathered is admissible inany judicial proceedings. Every delegate who successfully completes modules will receive a certificate ofattendance enabling professional development to be evidenced.
What will I get out of it?
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Using The Internet As An Investigative Tool
The internet is a vast and complex resource. The Sancus Solutions’ course, delivered by a former policeofficer and fraud investigator, who is now a full time investigative researcher will guide you through thismaze and demonstrate how this investigative resource can be more efficiently utilised without leavingthe workplace.
Our presenter has seven years experience as an open source investigator and has advised clients from awide range of professions including insurance companies police forces and UK counterterrorism units.Whether you are an investigator, researcher or involved in staff recruitment and retention there is a vastamount of open source information available – if only you knew how to find it.
Course Details
The course will demonstrate how to safely search the resources available on the internet to help ininvestigations, research and staff recruitment. We examine sources and databases including socialnetworking sites to reveal the extensive amount of information that is waiting to be found.
The three day course will equip delegates to:• Effectively search the internet for information relating to individuals or organisations under investigation and to gather intelligence that your internal systems will not contain
• Access information safely without risk of compromise• Produce findings in the form of structured intelligence packages• Trace e-mails to their true points of origin
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of this course delegates will be able to ethically and discreetly research the internet forinformation and intelligence on both individuals and organisations.
Anyone involved in investigative activity either in the private or public sectors• Insurance Companies• Intelligence Analysts• Telephone Investigator Single Point of Contact (SPOC)• Those involved in public and private sector staff recruitment• Professional Standards Investigators• Internal Investigators• Journalists
Target Audience
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Field Impairment Testing (FIT) Drug Recognition Testing (DRT)
One in five fatalities in all road traffic collisions have traces of illicit drugs in their system. (TransportResearch Laboratory Government Stats). That figure doesn’t include drivers taking prescribed drugs orthose who may not have been tested at the time of the collision. Over 10% of young drivers admit todriving at some time whilst under the influence of drugs.
Could you recognise evidence of substance misuse at the scene of a collision? Have you ever receivedany significant training on drug misuse in terms of road policing?
Course Details
This ACPO accredited two day course gives front line officers the skills to recognise impairment through drugs,an understanding of the law relating to drug driving and the authorisation to administer the Field ImpairmentTests. Day one will deal with the law and skills required to administer the Field Impairment Tests. Day two is anintensive input relating to drugs and drug symptom recognition skills
At the end of the course, successful students will be accredited as Authorised Officers and will be able to:• Confidently consider evidence of impairment in the investigation of serious or fatal road traffic collisions• Be able to conduct road side and station based Field Impairment Tests• Understand the law in relation to drug driving• Proactively target known drug drive offenders• Secure evidence and its acceptance in court• Significantly contribute to reducing serious injury and road death
The course is delivered by Robbie Burns a former Cheshire Police Officer and National Roads Policing Specialistwho is an expert in drug and alcohol recognition techniques. He trained with the California Highway Patrol andhas been responsible for introducing drug recognition training to Police Forces both in the UK and Hong Kong.Robbie is one of only seven accredited trainers in the UK recognised by ACPO. He is also experienced in theinvestigation of serious and fatal collisions and undertaking the role of the family liaison officer.
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
At the conclusion of this course delegates will be equipped to recognise the signs and symptoms ofsubstance misuse, understand the effects of impairment through drugs and alcohol and be able torecognise and interpret the signs and symptoms of drugs and alcohol abuse.
• Road Policing Officers• Road Policing SIOs• Custody Officers• All Police Officers engaged in patrol duties
Target Audience
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Advanced Road Death Investigation Course
Investigating fatal collisions on our roads demands knowledge, experience and professionalism. Sancus Solutions’five day training course is fully compliant with the Road Death Investigation Manual and draws on other relevantsources such as the Murder Investigation Manual and Practice Advice on Core Investigative Doctrine. The courseutilises a scenario based experience to allow SIOs to develop the techniques they will need to carry out thisexacting role.
Course Details
The course will enable delegates to design, implement and record robust and effective strategies that are key to aprofessional investigation. Delegates will work through a scenario based exercise making and recording their owndecisions. Delivered by an experienced homicide Senior Investigating Officer as well as a Road Policing SIO thepresentations will equip delegates to utilise investigative techniques and strategies more traditionally put to use inmurder inquiries.
This five day course covers in detail the following areas:• Scene Management• Use of Policy Logs• Family Liaison• Investigative Strategy• Role of the Road Policing SeniorInvestigating Officer
• Use of the Media• Community Impact• Intelligence Strategies• Use of Expert Witnesses• The Review Process
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of this course delegates will be equipped to lead investigations into fatal road traffic collisions.They will be able to ensure that all statutory, policy and good practice guidelines are adhered to.
• Experienced road policing officers who carry out the role of senior investigating officer at serious and fatal collisions
• Officers who may be the first on the scene of such incidents• Policing supervisors who may be required to take initial command of serious collisions• Investigators from oversight bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission
The Advanced Road Death Investigation Course has been delivered to delegates from over twenty UKpolice forces and other organisations.
Target Audience
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Basic Crime Scene Investigation Course
Crime scene investigation is used to gather and obtain evidence to prove or disprove a crime has beencommitted. This four week course will cover the three core functions of a crime scene investigator includingdigital photography, forensic recovery and fingerprint recovery. Many different techniques are used to recover ahuge range of evidence types. This course will cover the basic essentials required to examine a crime scene andmaximise the evidence recovered.
Course Details
This course will be split in to three separatesections, digital photography, forensic recoveryand fingerprint recovery and will be completedover a four week period.
Digital photography: This section will allow students to obtain the necessary hands on experience to confidentlyrecord a crime scene using digital photography.• Theory of photography• Basic functions of a digital camera and familiarisation• Exposure control and depth of field to capture the best image• Flash photography techniques• Injury photography• Basic photography capturing fingerprints, footwear and instrument marks• The correct transfer and storage of digital images
Forensic recovery: Students will learn about different types of forensic materials and how to identify andrecover forensic evidence at a variety of crime scenes.• Basic forensic theory – Locards Principle• Identification of forensic types• Health and Safety• Scene overview – how to approach and examine a scene• Documentation and statement writing• Evidence recovery techniques – collection, packaging and storage consideration• DNA and blood
Fingerprint recovery: The students will be provided with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recoverthe correct fingerprint evidence.• Basic skills to recognise and recover identifiable fingerprint evidence• Tenprint and elimination fingerprints• The recovery of latent fingerprints using a variety of techniques – powders and chemicals• The documentation for continuity and security of a fingerprint lift
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
By the end of the course the three core functions will have been applied to various crime scenes includingburglary, car crime and assaults. All the core functions will have a practical hands-on application to give thestudent the opportunity to reach a level where they will have the competency skills to examine a crime scene.
This course is designed for new crime scene investigators with little or no knowledge of forensicinvestigation. The aim is to deliver a practical hands-on approach to allow students to get as muchexperience as possible. Once completed students can progress to an Advanced Crime SceneInvestigation Course.
Target Audience
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Advanced Crime Scene Investigation Course
Crime scene investigation is used to gather and obtain evidence to prove or disprove a crime has been committedtogether with the gathering of intelligence. The three core functions of a crime scene investigator include digitalphotography, forensic and fingerprint recovery. This course will develop the advanced skills required to confidentlyexamine major crime together with specialised crime scenes.
Course Details
This seven week course will be split into four separate sectionswhich will cover three core functions advanced digital imaging,forensic techniques, fingerprint recovery together with practicalscene examinations including murder, sexual assault, fireinvestigation and firearm incidents.
Digital imaging: This section will allow students toobtain the necessary hands on experience toconfidently record a crime scene using advanceddigital imaging.
• Theory of photography• Functions of a digital camera• Exposure control and depth of field to capture the best image
• Flash photography techniques• Injury and post mortem photography including UV capture
• Specialised photography including the capture of fingerprint, footwear and instrument marks
• Night time photography• 360° Photography• Transfer and correct storage of digital images• Theory of digital video recording• The use of digital video cameras to capture and record a crime scene
Forensic recovery: Students will learn about differenttypes of forensic evidence, their value, and thetechniques used to recover, package and record it.
• Basic forensic theory – Locards Principle• Identification of forensic types, their value and persistence
• Health and Safety• Scene analysis – how to approach and examine a scene (variety of scenes including burglary, vehicles, assault, sexual offences and homicide).
• Detailed documentation including plan drawing and statement writing
• Evidence recovery techniques – collection, packaging and storage consideration
• DNA and blood distribution• Footwear evidence and its value – recovery and basic identification
• Basic fire investigation• Firearms scene investigation
Fingerprint recovery: The students will be providedwith knowledge and practical skills needed to recoverthe correct fingerprint evidence.
• Theory of fingerprint pattern and characteristic recognition
• Advanced skills to recognise and recover identifiable fingerprint evidence
• Tenprint and elimination fingerprints• Health and Safety• The recovery of latent fingerprints using a variety of techniques – powders and chemicals
• The documentation for continuity and security of a fingerprint lift
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
By the end of the course the three core functions will have been applied to all types of crime scenes from volumecrime to major crime. All the core functions will have a practical hands- on approach to give the student theopportunity to reach a level where they will have the competency skills to examine any crime scene covered withinthe course.
This course is designed for new and existing crime scene investigators. The aim is to deliver an advanced theoreticaland practical experience. Students will gain experience on all aspects of crime scene investigation includingspecialised scene examination. The course will cumulate with a variety of practical crime scene examinations wherethe student can demonstrate their competencies covering all areas of the core functions of a crime sceneinvestigator.
Target Audience
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Crime Scene Management
The role of a crime scene manger is to take responsibility for the management of a crime scene together with allforensic staff. This can be anything from a single scene incident to one where multiple scenes are beingexamined. The crime scene manager has a direct responsibility to the senior investigating officer and is part ofthe management team.
• Management of scene – crime scene preservation and contamination• Health and Safety• Selection and management of crime scene investigation staff• Agreement of a crime scene investigation strategy• The use of outside agencies and specialist services• Monitoring the recovery, packaging and storage of evidence• Communication – written CSM logs and briefing presentations• Forensic strategies• Prioritisation of forensic evidence and its value to the investigation• The role of a crime scene coordinator• Maintain your knowledge of new and developing techniques
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
The students who attend this course will be equipped with the competencies required to manage a majorcrime scene with multiple staff and scenes. They will understand their role within the major incident team andbe able to produce a detailed briefing to a major enquiry team using the latest presentation techniques. Eachstudent will have the competency to produce a detailed forensic strategy for use by the senior investigatingofficer.
This course is designed for experienced crime scene investigators who have previously attended anAdvanced Crime Scene investigation Course. Students will need an in-depth knowledge of crime sceneinvestigation and hands on experience. They must be well organised and methodical, together withoutstanding communication skills.
Target Audience
Course Details
The students who attend this two week course will be given the tools to correctly manage a major crime scene.Students will learn what the function of a crime scene manager is, how to manage a variety of scenes with multiplestaff from various disciplines, together with developing forensic strategies in consultation with the seniorinvestigating officer.
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Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Course
Identification of the presence of blood is often sufficient to fulfill the needs of the investigator, but in an increasingnumber of cases, particularly serious assault and major incident cases, an interpretation of the blood stainpatterns, with emphasis on the actions that caused them, will also be required. Some cases may have little or noassociated information, and assessment of blood patterns may provide intelligence information to assist with apolice investigation. Blood pattern analysis proper may also be undertaken in relation to a proposed set ofcircumstances in an evaluative setting.
This week long course covers the following areas:• The history of blood pattern analysis• Chemical & physical properties of blood• Classification and terminology• The recording of findings - best practice• Single drops and secondary spatter• Cast-off• Arterial damage stains
• Impact spatter• Gunshot spatter• Contact stains & physiologically altered bloodstains• Medical aspects - wounds and bleeding• Stain selection• Principles of interpretation• Case studies and statement writing best practice
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of this course, delegates will be equipped with a detailed knowledge of BPA terminology. Theywill be able to define the relevant chemical and physical properties of blood, describe the nature of wounds inrelation to blood loss, list the factors affecting size and shape of blood stains, identify the main types of bloodpatterns on clothing and weapons, accurately record their findings and be able to demonstrate an ability toevaluate blood stain patterns and report their conclusions in statement format. Follow up work will include aselection of practice exercises followed by an assessed case.
This course is intended for advanced level forensic practitioners, competent in body fluid and DNAreporting, wishing to advance to BPA reporting at expert witness level. Attendance on the relevantbody fluid and DNA courses is therefore a pre-requisite.
Target Audience
Course Details
Presented by experienced blood pattern reporting scientists, this course includes classroom-based theory sessionsand extensive practical sessions in which delegates are given the chance to observe and participate in the creation ofblood patterns mirroring real casework situations. In-depth instruction on BPA terminology and the range of patternsone can expect to encounter is provided in theory sessions, and case studies are scrutinized in syndicate groupsessions. Delegates will be provided with a list of pre-course reading material.
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Body Fluid Reporting
Body fluid evidence is a vital component of numerous criminal cases. Given the range of body fluidevidence types, interpretational considerations of identification, appearance, location, distribution andattribution to DNA profiling results are numerous when addressing complex casework scenarios.
This week long course covers the following areas:• Principles of transfer and persistence• Introduction to forensic strategy setting• Evidential significance• The limitations of body fluid interpretation• Casework scenarios - syndicate group discussions with tutors
• Presentation of syndicate group findings• Introduction to body fluid attribution• Best practice for written and oral presentation of evidence
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
By the end of the course, delegates will have a thorough understanding of transfer and persistenceissues, an ability to set robust forensic strategies in body fluids casework and an awareness ofbody fluid attribution issues. Follow up work for this course includes a comprehensive package ofpractice cases, which it is anticipated will be undertaken in parallel to the case assessment,statement writing and DNA technical courses.
Attendance on the introduction to body fluids course is a pre-requisite for delegates attending thiscourse. The course is designed for forensic practitioners required to progress to expert witnesslevel in the reporting of body fluids casework.
Target Audience
Course Details
Through the use of example casework scenarios and discussion, this course provides the expert witness with athorough foundation in body fluid interpretation that can be built on through exposure to and experience ofmore complex casework scenarios. The course examines in detail the mechanisms of transfer and persistence,the scope and limitation of interpretation and introduces the concepts of body fluid attribution and distributionissues. It is anticipated that this course will run in conjunction with instruction on DNA profiling, caseassessment and interpretation, and expert testimony, to provide a framework of best practice for robust bodyfluid interpretation. This course is presented by a team of experienced forensic biologists.
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Case Assessment and Interpretation
The role of the forensic scientist may be defined as “The provision of information to help answer questionsof importance to investigators and to courts of law.” The forensic scientist generates qualitativeobservations from tests conducted on exhibits and provides guidance in the form of expert opinion, on howtheir observations impact on the issues under consideration. In developing an expert opinion, the forensicscientist uses inference. Therefore, understanding the nature of inference is a necessary pre-requisite for theexpert witness. The case assessment and interpretation, or CAI, model, uses Bayesʼ Theorem in an approachto inductive thinking and produces balanced, logical, robust and transparent scientific opinion.
This week long workshop covers the following areas:• Inference and the principles of expert opinion• Probability theory• Bayesʼ theorem• Working in evaluative mode• Formulating propositions• Determining expectations• Likelihood ratios and the weight of evidence
• The verbal scale• The prosecutorʼs fallacy• The hierarchy of propositions• The importance of conditioning information• Dealing with ʻno commentʼ• Reporting considerations - abbreviated outputs• Working in investigative mode• Forensic strategy setting and strategy updates
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of the course delegates will have a thorough understanding of the CAI model, will beable to develop effective forensic strategies, calculate likelihood ratios and use these to formulate robustexpert opinions. Delegates will be able to differentiate between investigative and evaluative modes andrecognise the appropriate circumstances in which to use them. Completion of follow up material,including practice cases and a CAI examination, will be required to achieve initial competency.
This course is designed for forensic practitioners of all disciplines required to progress to expertwitness level.
Target Audience
Course Details
This course provides an interactive workshop in which the CAI model is explored and tested in both the classroomand in syndicate groups. Using case examples, the course explains the role of Bayesʼ Theorem within the CAI modeland explores concepts such as the hierarchy of propositions and the distinction between investigative and evaluativemodes. Pre-course reading on probability theory is provided, since many aspects of CAI are probabilistic in nature.
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Footwear & Marks Comparisons
Every time a person takes a step, they leave behind a footwear impression, regardless of the surface theyare walking on. In fact, in the field of marks and impressions, any two items that come into contact witheach other are likely to leave a mark on one another. Footwear marks collected from crime scenes orexhibits can provide significant evidence of an individualʼs presence at that scene or of contact with thatexhibit, depending on the case circumstances.
This 2 week long course covers the following areas:• Scene management - avoiding contamination• Exhibit management - avoiding destruction of marks• Location of marks - lighting thinking laterally• Enhancement of marks - lifting, powder and chemical techniques, storage
• Photography of marks - at the scene and in the laboratory
• Creation of footwear databases - for pattern coding and intelligence
• Note writing best practice• Comparison of marks with suspect shoes - pattern, size/configuration, wear and damage
• Statistical evaluation and forming an opinion - including recent appeal court rulings
• Accounting for time delays and mark distortion
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
This course is intended to equip delegates with a comprehensive knowledge of mark enhancement, lightingand photographic techniques, to cover a range of casework situations. The latter half of the course is designedto progress delegates to expert witness level and provide a robust framework of comparison andinterpretational skills. Follow up work will include a comprehensive package of practical exercises and practicecases for completion by delegates in order to achieve competence.
This course is intended for basic and intermediate level forensic practitioners wishing to specializein footwear and marks comparison. Completion of the pre-course reading list (provided) is anessential pre-requisite for attendance on this course. Experience of photography is desirable butnot essential. It is intended that delegates on this course wishing to progress to reporting level,also attend the Case Assessment, Statement Writing and Expert Witness Courses.
Target Audience
Course Details
Marks and footwear impressions are not always obvious and often require specialist techniques to visualize. Thiscourse includes classroom-based and practical sessions, to provide comprehensive coverage of enhancement,lighting and photographic techniques. The latter part of the course will focus on comparisons and is intended toinstruct on reporting considerations and the formation of expert opinion. Delegates will be provided with anextensive pre-course reading list.
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Forensic Statement Writing
The structure of the forensic science statement is of paramount importance in meeting the requirements ofthe criminal justice system. The forensic science statement must be impartial, logical and must convey themeaning and limitations of forensic test results without ambiguity.
This week long course covers the following areas:• Structure of the forensic science statement• Translating your strategy and identifying propositions• The nature of purpose and conclusion• Likelihood ratios and the verbal scale of support• Principles of interpretation and stating assumptions• Technical issue writing• Receipt of items and continuity
• Disclosure• Tailoring to your readerʼs needs• The use of jargon
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of this course, delegates will have a thorough understanding of the requirements offorensic science statements and a good awareness of acceptable and unacceptable phraseology. Thiswill be the basis for the continuing develop of a personal writing style. Statement writing practice will beincluded in the follow up packs from evidence type-specific courses.
This course is an essential component for all practitioners required to progress to expert witnesslevel within their areas of expertise. Attendance on the Case Assessment and Interpretation, andQuality Processes courses are prerequisites.
Target Audience
Course Details
Through the use of case studies, worked examples and discussion groups, this week long course outlines the legalrequirements of forensic statements, highlights best practice for statement writing, and helps delegates to developtheir own writing style and hone their science writing skills. The course is designed for practitioners from all forensicdisciplines, and evidence type-specific syndicate groups will focus on issues relating to delegatesʼ own areas ofexpertise. This course is presented by a team of experienced expert witnesses from a bespoke range of specialisms.
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Forensic Toxicology Reporting
An advanced course, presented by a forensic toxicologist with extensive experience of delivering experttestimony in court. This course builds on the principles and background covered in ‘An Introduction toForensic Toxicology’, provides more detailed knowledge and focuses on interpretational guidance for theexpert witness.
• Forensic toxicology strategy setting• Case studies and interpretational examples• Analytical theory• Specialist and bespoke toxicological investigations (e.g. carbonmonoxide toxicity)
• Considerations of drug-facilitated sexual assault casework
• The application of hair testing• Post-mortem redistribution considerations
• Application of alcohol technical calculations to road traffic offence cases
• Toxicology statement writing & the duties of an expert witness
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
Delegates will have a thorough understanding of the interpretation and limitations of toxicological evidenceand the delivery of expert testimony. They will be equipped to deal with a range of complex caseworkscenarios, including use of bespoke analytical techniques.
Attendance on the Introduction to Forensic Toxicology is a pre-requisite. This course is aimed atindividuals required to advance their knowledge to expert witness level.
Target Audience
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Introduction to Body Fluids For The Forensic Practitioner
Body fluid evidence is relevant in a large proportion of criminal cases. The body fluids examiner has a rangeof techniques at their disposal to enable identification and to document of the location and distribution ofbody fluids on an exhibit. This course provides a thorough background in body fluid characteristics and theapplication of search and testing techniques.
This two week course covers the following areas in detail:• Characteristics and biology of blood, saliva, semen, urine and faeces
• Less frequently encountered body fluids (such as vomit and stomach contents)
• Presumptive tests• False positives• Search and screening techniques
• Confirmatory tests• Microscopy• Lighting techniques including use of crime-lite• Extraction techniques• Recording of findings best practice• Preparation for DNA testing• Introduction to blood pattern analysis (BPA)
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
By the end of the course, it is anticipated that delegates will have an understanding of the mechanism of bodyfluid tests, their application in conjunction with searching techniques and their limitations. Delegates will beequipped to apply the appropriate techniques to sample body fluid stains and prepare these for DNA profiling.This course will be followed by a period of laboratory practice exercises and competency testing, the durationof which will depend on progress. Delegates will also have a basic awareness of distribution issues and therequirement for BPA interpretation.
This course is designed for basic and intermediate forensic practitioners with some laboratoryexperience. The course provides follow up practice and competency tests, the successfulcompletion of which is a prerequisite for attendance of the Body Fluid Reporting Course.
Target Audience
Course Details
This course provides an overview. It explains the biological characteristics of body fluids and covers the searchand identification techniques used in the recovery of body fluid staining including chemical testing, microscopyand lighting conditions. The course also examines techniques for sampling and preparation for DNA profiling andintroduces blood pattern analysis. This course is largely classroom based, with some laboratory demonstrations.
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Quality Systems
All accredited forensic procedures are governed by clearly documented quality processes. A comprehensive system of checking procedures is also vital to delivering quality forensic output thatcan be relied upon by the criminal justice system. In the event of an error, procedures are in place toinvestigate the error and devise preventative improvement actions.
This week long course covers the following areas:• Accreditation and the role of ISO 17025• Quality management systems and documented protocols
• The role of the quality manager• Checking processes and the business quality model• Anti-contamination processes, cleaning schedules and environmental monitoring
• Elimination databases
• Calibration and equipment records• Documenting continuity and the chain of evidence• Internal auditing and levels of assurance• Quality failures and their consequences• Quality investigations• Feedback mechanisms and the responsibilities of the practitioner
• Initial and ongoing competency monitoring• Continual professional development
What does the Course deliver?
Objectives
On completion of this course, delegates will have an in depth knowledge of the quality systems operating intheir organisation, an understanding of their responsibilities within those systems and the ability to explainthese under cross-examination. They will have an awareness of their roles in maintaining competency and incontinual professional development and an understanding of the need for internal auditing and regularchecking processes. Delegates will be equipped with the essential knowledge required to prevent qualityfailures and how to carry out quality investigations in their specialist areas.
This course is designed for forensic practitioners of all levels and is a requirement for allpractitioners required to progress to expert witness level.
Target Audience
Course Details
Delivered by an experienced forensic auditor, this week long, classroom-based course explores the requirements foraccreditation and highlights the importance of documented procedures and quality monitoring systems. Itexplores the concepts of risks to quality, auditing, providing feedback, quality updates, ongoing competency andother preventative measures. This course highlights the responsibilities of all forensic practitioners within a responsiveand evolving quality system, and aims to equip practitioners with the tools required to ensure quality in all areasof their work.
