Digital Photography in Law Enforcement & Special Methods in Crime Scene Investigations

Police Academy Logo

Instructor:

Gary Truszkowski – Spent 20 years with the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division, seven years technical support unit supervisor for the Wyoming Police Department, and has recently returned from a 13 month deployment in Afghanistan where he worked in conjunction with forensic examiners from the U.S. Army Crime Lab – Expeditionary Forensic Division, and with forensic experts from agencies across the U.S. He is a lifetime member of the International Association for Identification, and is an IAI certified latent print examiner. He has lectured at numerous schools and workshops relating to forensic and general law enforcement photography.

Course Description:

The emphasis in this class is to learn from “hands on” training. The primary objectives are to provide students with a working knowledge of basic and specialized methods in crime scene photography while learning to use the functions and features of their digital and/or film camera. This is done by working on numerous practical exercises relating to crime scene photography and the photographic documentation of evidence. The exercises are practical in that they are designed to replicate the various forms of evidence scenarios likely to be encountered in “real world” investigations. The workshop will also highlight imaging technology in law enforcement. National standards will be presented on procedures and guidelines used in protecting the integrity of digital photographs, as well as landmark court cases relative to digital images used in court.

The training is conducted at the CREST TM training grounds (oaklandcc.edu/crest) and incorporates its training city to stage the scenarios used in the class. The CREST TMtraining city includes a typical residential neighborhood and commercial businesses setting on paved roads with street lighting during hours of darkness. The students will work on their photographic exercises and adapt their photographic methods to an environment likely to be encountered in their respective work area.

Class is limited to 8 students to ensure those with little or no photographic experience receive maximum benefit of the workshop. Photographs from the exercises will be processed overnight for evaluation the next day of class. Additionally, each student will be mailed a portfolio of photographic displays of their completed projects. Processing and printing of exercise photographs and relevant materials will be provided as part of the workshop. 

Practical exercises incorporate flash photography and special lighting methods in the following topic areas:

  • Dust impressions
  • 3-dimension impressions
  • Close up exercises in latent prints, VIN numbers, tool marks, & cartridge cases
  • Injuries and assaults
  • Shooting reconstruction (indoor and outdoor)
  • Blood enhancement (open area and vehicle)
  • Crime scene documentation

Equipment Needed:

  • Digital camera or film camera
  • Shutter release cable
  • Close-up lens
  • Electronic Flash
  • 5´ flash to camera synchronization cord
  • Tripod
  • Spare batteries for camera and flash
  • Manual for camera and flash

Course Details:

- 302 Funds Eligible -

*No shows WILL be billed unless cancellation is received 5 days prior to the class*