Digital Photography for Traffic Crash Investigators by IPTM
Digital Photography for Traffic Crash Investigators
This comprehensive program is tailored for law enforcement and traffic crash investigation professionals who actively document incident scenes using digital photography. Participants will develop proficiency in operating departmental cameras across multiple exposure modes beyond automatic settings through a combination of classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and real-world exercises.
The curriculum emphasizes both daylight and nighttime documentation techniques, with two of the five course days dedicated exclusively to nocturnal photography. Trainees will explore flash photography applications, available light techniques, and macro photography for detailed evidence capture, including vehicle lighting components. A field visit to a salvage yard allows participants to apply classroom knowledge to vehicle damage assessment and post-incident documentation procedures.
Upon completion, attendees will possess confident, practical skills for recording vehicles, damage patterns, and related evidence using their departmental digital cameras. The program mandates full participation in all sessions, completion of assigned coursework, and instructor evaluation.
Course Topics
- Digital camera operation and settings
- Crash scene evaluation
- Macro and close-up photography
- Lighting management techniques
- Night, weather-affected, and flash photography
- Vehicle damage documentation
- Human injury documentation
Audience
Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, crime scene specialists, claims adjusters, engineers, medical examiners, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators, and graphic designers. Florida sworn law enforcement, civilian crime scene personnel, and Medical Examiner Technician Field Investigators employed by Florida agencies may access FDOT grant-funded enrollment (excluding federal and military law enforcement in Florida).
Course Details
Duration: 40 hours
Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Required Equipment
- Digital camera in SLR format (preferred)
- Memory cards and compatible card reader
- External flash unit with hot shoe mounting capability
- Off-camera synchronization cable
- Extra camera and flash batteries with charger
- Tripod
- Level
- Work attire appropriate for outdoor conditions and inclement weather
Recommended Items
- Equipment manual for your camera
- Remote shutter release or wireless trigger device
- Circular polarizing filter matching your camera lens diameter
- Laptop with administrative access
Professional Credit
This course qualifies for 40 ACTAR Continuing Education Units.
Available Sessions
Stuart, Florida
September 21-25, 2026
Stuart Police Department, Emergency Operations Center, 830 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
Instructor: Dan Mulligan
Grant-funded option available (no tuition); standard enrollment $895.00
Grant-funded seats limited to sworn Florida law enforcement personnel
Meriden, Connecticut
October 5-9, 2026
Connecticut State Police Training Academy, 285 Preston Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450
Instructor: Dan Mulligan
Fee: $895.00
Greenfield, Indiana
November 2-6, 2026
Hancock County Sheriff's Office, 398 Malcolm Grass Way, Greenfield, IN 46140
Instructor: Dan Mulligan
Fee: $895.00
Phoenix, Arizona
February 8-12, 2027
Phoenix Police Headquarters, 100 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Instructor: Dan Mulligan
Fee: $895.00