Casting the Digital Footprint

This course examines the digital traces that individuals leave behind when using electronic devices and accessing technology. Participants will learn investigative techniques for uncovering both intentional and unintentional digital evidence, including methods for gathering personal, public, and open-source data to strengthen investigations across multiple case types. The training emphasizes covert data collection strategies and technologies applicable to various investigative scenarios.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the mechanisms through which individuals create a digital "trail" across multiple devices that investigators can follow
• Interpret reports generated from analyzed digital devices
• Apply techniques to extract and analyze device histories for investigative purposes
• Recognize search warrant procedures involving open-source information and social media service providers

Training Details

Duration: 16 hours of instruction over two days

Schedule: December 7–8, 2026

Daily Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (with registration beginning at 8:00 AM on Day 1)

Location: Morris N. Broad Community Center, 1175 95th Street, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154

Cost: $350.00

Registration Deadline: November 2, 2026

Intended Audience

This training is restricted to law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, and court system personnel. Access requires approval from the National Criminal Justice Training Center and professional affiliation with the criminal justice system.

What is Included

The registration fee covers 16 hours of instruction, course materials, and instructional expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, transportation, and lodging.

Lodging Options

• Best Western Plus North Miami/Bal Harbour, 12210 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
• Grand Beach Hotel Bay Harbor, 9601 E Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
• The Altair Bay Harbor Hotel, 9540 W Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
• The Landon Bay Harbor-Miami Beach, 9660 E Bay Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154

Instructor

Scott Kilpatrick – NCJTC Associate and Detective with the Baltimore County Police Department's Crimes Against Children Unit. Kilpatrick is an experienced investigator who serves as a consultant for sexual assault forensic examination and domestic violence programs. As a nationally certified instructor, he specializes in trauma-informed interviewing techniques and victim-centered investigative responses, working to improve professional recognition of trauma effects and evidence collection practices.

Course Topics

The curriculum covers digital evidence sources across crime scenes, vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and personal devices. Participants will study evidence providers, investigation techniques for Google and Apple services, online and application-based investigations, IP address analysis, time conversion methods, proper identification and seizure procedures, and network isolation protocols. The course includes practical case study analysis and real-world application scenarios.

Continuing Education

For information regarding continuing education unit eligibility, consult the NCJTC policies page.

Contact Information

Jessica Heimann, (855) 866-2582, jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu