Crime Scene Investigations Course (Formerly Field Evidence Technician Course)
A hands-on approach to understanding the fundamental theories of physical evidence practically applied and the legal consideration involved in the collection, preservation, and presentation in court. This course includes a night photoshoot during week 1. In return, the course ends at noon on Friday of week 2.
International Association of Identification (IAI) approved for 80 hours of training towards initial crime scene certification and crime scene recertification.
*Please see the required equipment below.
**This Class is Restricted to Law Enforcement Employees Only. Priority will be given to active CSI’s or an equivalent position. If you are interested in crime scene investigations but are not currently employed by a law enforcement agency, please visit our Crime Scene Investigator Certificate Program page.**
Tuition & Details
- Cost: $999
- Certification Hours: 80 Hours
- POST Plan: IV
Training Sessions
| CCN | Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25005 | April 20-May 1, 2026 | Sheraton Garden Grove 12221 Harbor Blvd Garden Grove, CA 92840 (714) 703-8400 | Waitlisted |
| 25006 | June 1-12, 2026 | Sheraton Garden Grove 12221 Harbor Blvd Garden Grove, CA 92840 (714) 703-8400 | Waitlisted |
| 26001 | August 10-21, 2026 | Sheraton Garden Grove 12221 Harbor Blvd Garden Grove, CA 92840 (714) 703-8400 | Open |
Registration
Classes can fill quickly, we recommend registering as early as possible. Have your training department call (562) 985-4940 or email the Center for Criminal Justice to reserve a spot. Click Request for Training to send your request.
Include the following:
- Class Name and Date
- Agency Name
- Training Manager’s Name, Email, and Phone
- Attendee Name(s)
- POST ID #
- Attendee Email Address
- Pre-requisite Certificate Completion
You will receive a confirmation email once registered for the course. Spots are first come, first served; a waitlist will be created when the class is full.
- Note
For those participants who will be flying in, the John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest airport.
For those participants who will be flying in, the Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport.
The courses offered by the Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training are the intellectual property of California State University Long Beach. Use or copying of this material is prohibited without prior written consent.
Requirements
- Flashlight
- Fingerprint Kit
- Digital Camera
For Digital Cameras:
- Card Reader
- Blank CD's
- Laptop with imaging capabilities (optional)
- Wide angle lens (if available)
- Electronic Flash
- Remote cord or synch cord for the electronic flash (for operating the flash when off the camera)
- Tripod
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries for the electronic flash
- Extra camera battery(s)
- Owner’s manuals for the camera and electronic flash
*Simple cameras that can be operated in manual and/or automatic modes are best for this course. Cameras that can only be operated in a PROGRAM mode should be avoided since many of the photography exercises during the class require techniques that cannot be accomplished in a program mode. Also, some students who bring advanced electronic cameras find it difficult to do all the required techniques since some techniques require they override the advanced functions of the camera. Such advanced electronic cameras should only be used in the class if the student has a good working knowledge of the camera and its advanced functions.
**Some advanced electronic cameras require electronic cable releases.
It is strongly suggested that the student read the camera and electronic flash owner’s manuals and practice using the camera and flash before the class. If owner’s manuals are not available for the camera and/or flash, and the student is not familiar with the operation of the camera and flash he/she will bring to class, it is suggested that the student obtain and read a basic photography book prior to the class. Any mechanical problems with the camera and flash should be resolved before the student attends the class.
The student should be able to do the following with the camera he/she is bringing to the class:
- Load memory card
- Set the correct film ISO (film speed on the camera)
- Focus the camera
- Use the camera’s light meter and/or automatic functions to obtain a good exposure
- Take a photograph in normal daylight
- Take a photograph using electronic flash
- Download images to a laptop computer
- Introduction to physical evidence
- Legal aspects of physical evidence
- Theory and technique of crime scene search
- Photography (to include daylight, darkness, inclement weather)
- Casting and reproduction of impressions, tool marks, and prints
- Fingerprints: recovery, classification, and preservation
- Blood and other physiological fluids
- Physical evidence in death investigations
- Hair, fibers, soils, and other trace evidence
- Firearms distance determination
- Gunshot residue collection
- DNA and trace DNA collection and processing
- Cellphone and mobile forensics
- Forensic examination of digital evidence
The courses offered by the Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training are the intellectual property of California State University Long Beach. Use or copying of this material is prohibited without prior written consent.
