Law Enforcement Training
Upcoming Training Opportunities:
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Basic Crime Scene Academy: May 4 – 8, 2015
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Advanced Crime Scene Academy: May 18-22, 2015
The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services offers a wide range of training courses for Utah law enforcement. Below is a list of the various training courses offered along with contact information if any questions arise.
Evidence Packaging:
A one day course that focuses on the various types of evidence encountered and its proper packaging. The class utilizes lectures and hands-on demonstrations to teach the correct ways to package evidence that will be submitted to the crime lab. It is encouraged that all law enforcement personnel who come in contact with evidence take this course. To schedule a course for your agency or to find out more information, please contact:
Michelle Harward – 801-965-4621
Crime Scene Specialist:
This course is geared towards any individual in law enforcement who goes to crime scenes. This is a two part course; a Basic and an Advanced course. Topic covered are: documentation and preservation of the scene, photography, latent prints, serological presumptive tests, footwear/tire impressions, bloodstain pattern documentation, evidence packaging. For more information contact:
Bo Smith – 801-430-0407
Marijuana Leaf Technician Certification:
As of January 2006, the state lab does not accept marijuana cases due to the sheer volume and the backlog in controlled substances cases. As a result, the Marijuana Leaf Technician Program began in 2005 and has certified over 200 individuals with over 100 currently certified analysts. This is a 4 day course in which the students will learn how to identify marijuana based on macroscopic, microscopic and chemical tests, quality control, note taking, and report writing. For more information about this class contact:
Bryan Holden – bholden@utah.gov
Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO)Certification:
Along with the marijuana technician program, we offer individuals the chance to become a certified FIDO technician. This is a one day course in which the student will learn how to presumptively identify methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. The presumptive identification is done through chemical tests. There are currently over 100 certified FIDO analysts in the state of Utah.If you have any questions regarding the FIDO program contact:
Bryan Holden – bholden@utah.gov
DNA Technology: The Basics and Advancements
This class is being offered to all Utah law enforcement agencies, as well as, legal professionals, to introduce the basic concepts of DNA, the new technology being validated, the expectations and limitations of DNA and the application/ impact on forensic casework. The course will also cover general concepts including evidence collection and packaging, as well as, give some new ideas for looking for potential DNA evidence, such as touch DNA. The goal of this course is to provide all those involved in cases where DNA evidence is included a better understanding of DNA, our testing, our interpretations and limitations, as well as, to establish a better working relationship and dialogue between local agencies, attorneys and the analysts at the Utah State Crime Laboratory. This is a half-day (4 hours) course. If you have questions regarding the DNA Technology: The Basics and Advancements contact:
Chad Grundy – 801-957-8602
Shooting Scene Reconstruction
contact Justin Bechaver at jbechaver@utah.gov for more information