NCJTC Death Investigation Academy
This comprehensive five-day training program is designed to equip investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough and effective death investigations across various circumstances. Participants will gain practical understanding of death investigation procedures, evidence collection methodologies, and modern investigative techniques.
Program Overview
Through this academy, attendees will master strategies for managing death investigations regardless of their origin. The curriculum covers critical competencies including crime scene evaluation, conducting effective suspect interviews and interrogations, generating investigative leads, collaborating with forensic laboratories and medical examiners, and understanding the medical autopsy process.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
- Apply advanced techniques when organizing and executing death investigations
- Differentiate between various types of deaths and utilize appropriate investigative approaches for each category
- Implement evidence-based interview and interrogation methods
- Establish collaborative working relationships with medical examiners and forensic professionals
Training Schedule
Dates: September 21-25, 2026
Location: St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office Training Center, 220 Judge Edward Dufrense Parkway, Luling, LA 70070
Duration: 40 hours of instruction
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (with one-hour lunch break each day)
Course Content
The academy covers essential topics including managing death scenes and case documentation, forensic science services and evidence techniques, interview and interrogation strategies, drug-related death investigations, digital evidence in death cases, time of death determination, equivocal deaths and suicide investigations, infant and child death investigations, crime scene analysis, major case management, cold case investigations, and investigative genetic genealogy. Additional sessions address vicarious trauma management, death notifications, and courtroom preparation with prosecutors.
Instructors
James Holmes - Special Agent (Ret.), Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. A certified law enforcement officer since 1995 with extensive experience in the Major Crimes Unit, including numerous homicide investigations, equivocal death investigations, officer-involved death cases, and cold case homicide work.
Matt Bell - Lieutenant, Milwaukee Police Department and Criminal Investigation Bureau Homicide Unit. Holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminal Justice, with over 20 years of law enforcement experience including homicide investigation, crime scene processing, interviewing and interrogation expertise. Serves as an adjunct instructor at Carroll University and provides national consultation on critical incident response.
Patrick Eller - Associate, National Criminal Justice Training Center.
Target Audience
This training is designed for law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, forensic service units, coroners, and medical examiners.
Registration and Fees
Cost: $650.00
Includes: 40 hours of training, program materials, and instructional costs
Not Included: Meals, travel, and lodging arrangements (participant responsibility)
Lodging Options
Several accommodations are available near the training venue, including Best Western Plus New Orleans Airport Hotel, Comfort Inn New Orleans Airport, Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Orleans Airport South, and La Quinta Inn and Suites Boutte.
Additional Information
For information regarding continuing education credits, please consult the NCJTC policies page. Criminal justice professionals must obtain access approval before registering for this training.
Contact: Jessica Heimann at (855) 866-2582 or jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu