Digital Photography for Traffic Crash Investigators
This 40-hour course is tailored for active law enforcement and investigative professionals who document traffic crash scenes. Participants will develop proficiency in operating departmental digital cameras across multiple settings beyond standard automatic mode through a combination of classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, and hands-on field exercises.
A significant focus of this training involves mastering both daylight and low-light photography techniques. Two of the five instructional days are dedicated to nighttime documentation, covering flash photography methods and techniques for utilizing ambient light sources. Participants will also spend one day at a local salvage yard where they apply classroom-learned skills to conduct vehicle inspections similar to those performed at impound facilities. The course emphasizes macro photography for capturing detailed evidence documentation and vehicle lighting components.
Upon completion, participants will possess practical skills in photographically recording vehicles, damage patterns, and related evidence using their departmental digital cameras. Full attendance at all sessions, completion of assigned projects, and instructor evaluation are required for course completion.
Course Topics
- Digital camera operation and settings
- Crash scene analysis and documentation
- Macro and close-up evidence photography
- Lighting assessment and management
- Nighttime, adverse weather, and flash photography techniques
- Vehicle damage documentation
- Human injury evidence photography
Intended Audience
Law enforcement officers, private traffic crash investigators, crime scene specialists, claims adjusters, forensic engineers, medical examiners, legal professionals, safety officials, military investigators, visual effects professionals, and graphic artists.
Florida-Specific Information: FDOT grant-funded positions are available exclusively for sworn Florida law enforcement personnel, civilian crime scene technicians, and Medical Examiner Technician Field Investigators employed by Florida state and local agencies. Federal and military law enforcement personnel stationed in Florida do not qualify for grant-funded seats.
Required Materials
- Digital camera in SLR format (preferred)
- Memory cards
- Compatible card reader
- External flash unit with hot shoe mounting
- Off-camera synchronization cord
- Spare batteries and chargers for camera and flash
- Tripod
- Bubble level
- Outdoor work clothing suitable for inclement weather
Recommended Materials
- Camera instruction manual
- Remote shutter release cable or wireless trigger
- Circular polarizing filter matching lens diameter
- Laptop computer with administrative access privileges
Continuing Education Credit
This course qualifies participants for 40 ACTAR Continuing Education Units.
Scheduled Sessions
Stuart, Florida – September 21-25, 2026 (Grant-Funded Option: $0.00 fee for qualified Florida officers; Standard Registration: $895.00) at Stuart Police Department Emergency Operations Center, 830 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Instructor: Dan Mulligan. Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Meriden, Connecticut – October 5-9, 2026 ($895.00 fee) at Connecticut State Police Training Academy, 285 Preston Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450. Instructor: Dan Mulligan. Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Greenfield, Indiana – November 2-6, 2026 ($895.00 fee) at Hancock County Sheriff's Office, 398 Malcolm Grass Way, Greenfield, IN 46140. Instructor: Dan Mulligan. Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Phoenix, Arizona – February 8-12, 2027 ($895.00 fee) at Phoenix Police Headquarters, 100 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Instructor: Dan Mulligan. Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.