Media Presentation
Instructors:
William L. Cataldo – Chief of Homicide (Retired), Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office; former criminal
defense attorney; current In-House Tribal Prosecutor for the Little River Band of
Ottawa Indians
Craig Keith – D/Lieutenant, Clinton Township Police Department, (Retired); Chief Investigator
for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, (Retired).
Course Description:
The media’s faux presentation of crime scene investigation has created “The CSI Effect” the expectation that physical evidence is easily obtained because of advanced scientific techniques. Indeed, eighty five percent of todays’ court cases involve some form of advanced technology, (cellphone and cell tower analytics, DNA, home security cameras, FARO technology, total stations, drones, computer/AI recreations, digital cameras, dash cams, body worn cameras, electronic records, the internet, social media, etc.). Today’s tech savvy juries require that the case not only be “proven” but “shown”. The investigator must now “begin with the end in mind:” to wit: approach a crime scene visualizing how the evidence collected can be effectively presented to a jury. This course is designed to teach investigating officers the “CSI” approach: effective crime scene evidence collection, understanding the technologies involved, their uses and limitations and their most effective presentation.
Topics Include:
- Using Current Available Investigative Technologies
- Documenting and investigating a crime scene keeping in mind the end result of presenting it in court
- Proper Order/Procedure of Electronic Evidence Collection and Storage
- Effective Report Writing
- Trial Testimony and Presentation
- The wisdom of explaining why, despite advanced technology, physical evidence is not found at every crime scene
- Discovery Rules
Course Details:
- DATES: May 5, 2026
- TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- COSTS: $125.00 (Small Agency Group Discount – FREE)
- LOCATION: Oakland Police Academy 2900 Featherstone, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 - Location on Campus: Police Academy
- REGISTRATION: Email: policetraining@oaklandcc.edu or new phone: (248) 232-4227
- 302 Funds Eligible -
*No shows WILL be billed unless cancellation is received five days prior to the start of class*