Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force

Basic Crime Scene Investigation 40 hours basic course

Basic Crime Scene Investigation Course

Dear Course Participants:

The set of instructions are provided as a guide to the Basic Crime Scene
Investigation Course. Please read the instructions carefully, as they will
assist you in getting the full objectives and successfully pass the course.

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce participants to basic crime scene

investigative techniques. It covers basic photography techniques using
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera, fingerprint recognition and
development, DNA collection and packaging, motor vehicle processing
and note taking and report writing skills.

Course Objective and Learning Outcomes

The participants will possess the knowledge and skills required to

process minor crime scenes for latent prints using chemicals and
powder technique. The participant will also recognize situations where
the recovery of DNA evidence is prudent, and the collection, packaging
and labelling of physical evidence adhering to international safety
precautions and packaging guidelines.

Upon completion of this course participants will:

a. Apply scientific method to the investigation of crime scene.
b. Demonstrate the ability to capture good crime scene photographs.
c. Identify fingerprint patterns and characteristics.
d. Develop and document latent impressions found at crime scenes.
e. Evaluate safety considerations when handling biological evidence.
f. Demonstrate the ability to collect, label and package biological
evidence.
g. Utilize proper search, documentation, and collection of physical
evidence at the scene of a crime.
h. Process thoroughly a motor vehicle involved in the commission of
a crime.
i. Understand how physical evidence found at a crime scene can
prove or disprove a crime.
j. Construct proper investigative reports and statements.
k. Understand trial presentation in respect of crime scene
investigation.

Participants’ Assessment Scheme:

 Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force

Basic Crime Scene Investigation 40 hours basic course

There will be two methods of evaluation used to test participants’ knowledge
of the content area.
a. Test 1 - Practical Simulation – Participants will be given a mock
crime scene/Instructors will assess based on lessons taught.
b. Written Test - 25 questions comprising of 15 multiple choice and
10 true/false. Participants are expected to score 60% to ascertain
a certificate.

Please see a copy of the marking rubrics posted in your classroom.

Refreshment

A coffee break will be provided (25 minutes) in the designated area of the
teaching and learning environment.

Dress Code

Course participants are required to dress formally for Day 1 and Day 5. This is
to facilitate their engagement in the opening and closing ceremony and the
issuing of course certificates. Classes commence at 0830 hours every day.

EXCEPT – Days 2- 4 of the module will allow for participants to wear jeans
and polo shirt, appropriate to the simulated practical exercises as
scheduled.

Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided for persons travelling from the sister islands.

Training Venue

To be announced

Training Officer’s Comments:

As the training officer for the input organization it is my duty to see that every
member of the organization receives the training and development, he or she
needs to function in their respective roles. The importance of Training and
development cannot be over emphasized; hence I highly recommend this
training initiative.

• Listen to the course facilitator and each other.

• Take care of the equipment.
• Participants must be punctual for all lessons.
• No materials, still or video photography utilised in this training course
should be reproduced in any form or be published on any social
 Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force

Basic Crime Scene Investigation 40 hours basic course

network or sites, without the written consent of the party or parties
involved.
• Feedback is critical to our growth and success, so we invite you to let us
know how you enjoyed the learning experience.

Course Coordinator Comments:

As the head of the Forensic Support Branch, I support any initiative geared at
equipping members of the input organization with knowledge of forensic. We
are operating in an environment where forensic science can solve so much of the
island’s crime problems. Officer Wynter brings extensive knowledge to the field
of forensic science and together we will ensure that this knowledge is
transferred to you the participants.

Required Readings:

Crime Scene Processing (2008) M. Forte & M. Knox

Lesson 8: Photographing impression evidence
Lesson 19: Narrative Construction

The lessons and other reading materials will be emailed to the participants prior to the
training.

Questions and Comments may be addressed to: