CJC-FRN7937 - Basic Introduction to Underwater Crime Scene Investigation

Course Description

This 24 hour covers the procedures for conducting an underwater crime scene investigation. Students will identify the common ways to recognize crime scene areas and search patterns used in item searches. This class is for investigators to understand the effects of water on evidence, proper documentation and recovery methods for objects and bodies. Students do not need to be certified divers to take this class. The class also covers jurisdiction, equipment and safety concerns related to these types of investigations.

Course Outline

I.   

•      The U/W Crime Scene
•      Juridictional and Equipment Concerns
•      The Importance of Interviews
•       Search Techniques

    II.

•       Crime Scene Documentation
•       Legal aspects
•       Recovering the Object / Body 

III.

•      The Public Safety Diver
•      Equipment Needs
•      Training Requirements for the Diver / Diver Tenders
•      Safety Concerns

Learner Outcomes

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

•      Identify the common ways to recognize the crime scene area.
•      Identify five (5) types of search patterns commonly used in item searches.
•      Select the proper documentation and recovery methods for underwater evidence.
•      Explain the most common way that items are recovered from the underwater crime scene.
•      Describe the role of the police diver and the police diver tender.
•      Identify the safety concerns involved in police diving.

Notes

Lecture and practical exercises. Final day includes demonstrations at a lake or water facility.

Evaluation-

Demonstration of skills and final test.