Death and Homicide

Please be aware that this class is a 35-hour training. Therefore, the first four (4) days of training will be 8am-5pm local time. The last day will be 8am-12pm local time.

“This course has been approved for 35 hours of certification/recertification training credits by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.”

Course Description

This course provides advanced training in death and violent crime investigations for criminal investigators and first responders. Students will develop the skills necessary to recognize, document, and investigate death scenes involving homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined manners of death.

Instruction focuses on practical, real-world application and includes crime scene assessment, injury and wound identification, and the investigative value of autopsies. Students will also learn proper methods for the collection, preservation, and forensic analysis of physical and digital evidence, including DNA and firearms-related evidence.

Throughout the course, students will examine investigative considerations related to cause, manner, and means of death across a variety of case types, including mass casualty incidents, unusual deaths, and individual death investigations.

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, visual evidence review, and guided class discussions to enhance investigative decision-making and effective case management. Additional topics include death notification procedures and preparation for courtroom testimony as it relates to death investigations.

Course Goals

This course is designed to:

• Provide advanced training in the recognition, documentation, and investigation of death and violent crime scenes
• Enhance competency in crime scene assessment and evidence handling
• Develop a clear understanding of cause, manner, and means of death
• Strengthen investigative decision-making and case management skills
• Prepare students for additional responsibilities, including death notifications and courtroom testimony

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognize and differentiate between homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined death scenes
• Conduct systematic and thorough crime scene assessments
• Properly document death scenes using accepted investigative practices
• Identify and evaluate injuries and wounds relevant to investigations
• Explain the role and value of autopsies in determining cause and manner of death
• Identify, collect, and preserve physical and digital evidence in accordance with forensic standards
• Understand the role of DNA and firearms-related evidence in death investigations
• Distinguish between cause, manner, and means of death in various scenarios
• Apply investigative decision-making skills through case-based learning
• Analyze complex cases, including mass casualty and unusual death investigations
• Support effective case preparation and prosecution
• Understand procedures for death notifications
• Demonstrate knowledge of courtroom testimony preparation and presentation