OVERVIEW

This two-week course is suitable for Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) who have demonstrated competence in fulfilling that role in an operational environment and possess the skills, knowledge and experience to take the forensic lead in complex and high-profile investigations.  Their attendance on this training should be supported by their line manager and Scientific Support Manager and there will also be a requirement for the candidate to have an in-force mentor identified before attending the course.

The course will be delivered by classroom-based sessions including presentations by numerous expert speakers. The course also includes a summative exam, a one-day crime scene practical assessment and a one-day Hydra immersive learning exercise delivered in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.

A broad overview of the areas covered during the course are as follows:

• The role and responsibilities of the CSM
• The Major Investigation Team
• National Decision Model and risk management
• Cognitive bias
• Leadership styles
• Negotiating and influencing
• Scene strategy, identifying, agreeing and recording priorities
• Legal powers and organisational requirements, including authorisations
• Managing the scene examination
• Overview of ISO 17020 compliance
• Health and safety at crime scenes and risk assessments
• Role of the SIO and the investigative process of major crime
• Role of forensic specialists and their working relationship with the CSM
• Forensic pathology and injury classification, death investigation and neck compression deaths
• Forensic taphonomy, archaeology and botany (including archaeological excavation)
• Digital forensics – recognition of forensic opportunities and risks at crime scenes