Criminal Investigation Fundamentals

This comprehensive course delivers thorough instruction on investigative processes and techniques essential across all facets of criminal investigations. Participants will progress through each stage of an investigation, starting with initial scene response and culminating in effective courtroom presentation of findings.

Throughout this training, you will develop proficiency in investigating both property-related offenses and serious crimes against individuals. The course emphasizes proper identification, collection, and documentation of physical evidence to strengthen investigative outcomes. You will gain practical knowledge in effective interviewing strategies for witnesses, victims, and suspects, while also learning to leverage investigative networks and databases that support your work.

The instruction prepares you to handle foundational investigative responsibilities and builds a strong foundation for advancing to more specialized investigative training in the future.

Course Topics

• Basic investigative responsibilities and duties
• Case assignment and case load management strategies
• Physical evidence recognition and handling
• Witness and suspect interviewing techniques
• Confidential source management
• Property crime investigations including burglary, economic crimes, and organized retail crimes
• Crimes against persons including sexual assault, robbery, and death investigations
• DNA analysis and social media in investigations
• Electronic evidence examination: cell phones, cell site data, geo-fencing, Wi-Fi analysis, and related technologies
• Case reporting and documentation procedures
• Intelligence sources and information gathering

Target Audience

This training is designed for patrol officers, newly assigned detectives, experienced investigators, investigation supervisors, crime scene technicians, medical examiner and coroner investigators, military investigative personnel, and non-sworn personnel requiring effective collaboration with sworn law enforcement officers. Course enrollment is restricted to active sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel and medical examiner staff.

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: $695.00

Instructor: John Cullen

Available Sessions

Jacksonville, Florida
October 19-21, 2026
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Altamonte Springs, Florida
February 8-10, 2027
Altamonte Springs Police Department Training Room, 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Jacksonville, Florida
April 5-7, 2027
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Jacksonville, Florida
October 18-20, 2027
Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224