Forensic Evidence Collection (R0214)

Curriculum: Arson

This 6-day intermediate-level course addresses the critical skills essential to the effective collection, packaging, preservation, processing and testing of evidence from a fire and/or explosive scene. This course utilizes state of the art techniques, practices, protocols and standards relative to the investigator and laboratory scientist which ensures legally defensible evidence presentations in the court of law. This course also includes interaction and collaboration between the street level investigator and the laboratory scientist. This partnering fosters the collaborative efforts of the entire investigative community involved in overall aspects of evidence from fire and explosive incidents.

Students will be able to assemble and assess various reports and physical evidence relational to a scene; identify the effect of fire and associated suppression activities on forensic evidence, assess and specify forensic tests requested; and describe effects of ignitable liquids and temperature on various types of forensic evidence. Participants will also be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of the instruments and techniques employed in forensic analyses; explain the use and limits of accelerant detection K-9; demonstrate various use of casting materials for impressions (tires, tool marks, footwear, etc.) and fingerprint dusting/lifting capabilities, and be aware of the other various Forensic services such as DNA, Toxicology, Firearms and Tool marks, Trace evidence, computer/cell phone forensics, forensic toxicology and forensic photography.

Selection Criteria	Priority will be reserved for Federal, state and local fire service, law enforcement personnel and prosecutors with full-time fire/arson and explosion investigation responsibility and/or prosecution. These personnel include fire/arson investigators, fire marshals, law enforcement personnel, criminal investigators, district/state’s attorney's staff and members of arson task forces.
Delivery Type	6-Day On-Campus
Prerequisites	1) ICS 100 and ICS 200 level training. Preferred courses are Q462 and Q463 available through NFA Online at www.nfaonline.dhs.gov. Chief's signature on application attests that the applicant has completed these courses. 2) Successful completion of the NFA's Fire/Arson Origin-and-Cause Investigations (R206) or Fire/Arson Investigation (R/H205) course. Successful completion of one of the following State's arson courses satisfy the R205/R206 requirement: AR, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, LA, KS, MD, MO, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, SC, TN, TX and VA. 3) Successful completion of the following CFI Trainer modules: Introduction to Evidence; Digital Photography and the Fire Investigator; Evidence Examination: What Happens at the Lab; DNA; and Physical Evidence at the Fire Scene. Access to CFI Trainer is via Web site at www.CFITrainer.net. There are no costs or membership requirements to access these modules. ** Applicants must provide a copy of their CFITrainer.Net transcript along with their admissions application verifying that they have successfully completed the requisite training modules listed above. NOTE: Laboratory scientists/analysts are exempt from pre-requisite of NFA's Fire/Arson Origin and Cause Investigation course listed above. CFI Trainer modules still apply.
ACE Recommendation	In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Fire Service Administration.
CEU's	4.5
Post-Course Requirements	None
Student Pre-Course Materials	http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/pcm/pcm_r0214.pdf (25K, PDF Help)
NFPA Standards	None.
Student Comments	Not available at this time.

Course Schedule Information

		Dates	Availability	Location	Contact(s)
		August 4 - 9, 2013	Wait List Opportunity	Emmitsburg, Maryland
		November 3 - 8, 2013	Application Period Closed	Emmitsburg, Maryland
		February 16 - 21, 2014	Application Period Closed	Emmitsburg, Maryland
		August 3 - 8, 2014	Apply on 10/15/2013 - 12/15/2013	Emmitsburg, Maryland
		September 7 - 12, 2014	Apply on 10/15/2013 - 12/15/2013	Emmitsburg, Maryland