Training Courses

Forensic Detective Refresher 4 Day – Lenox

Date & Time:
  • November 16, 2026 – November 19, 2026 - 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Location:
227 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA
Agency:
Municipal Police Institute

Course Facts

  • Instructors: Shawn Dolan, Drew Webb
  • Dates: November 16-19, 2026
  • Location: Lenox Public Safety Complex
  • Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Price: $859.00 USD
  • Status: Event Postponed

Course Overview

This comprehensive four-day program combines two specialized training modules for forensic investigation professionals. The first two days concentrate on advanced crime scene photography techniques, enabling participants to master manual and automatic camera settings, lighting equipment, and documentation methods for fingerprints and small physical evidence. The final two days focus on fundamental crime scene processing and evidence preservation, teaching systematic approaches to high-volume burglary, theft, and drug-related investigations. More than half of the instruction incorporates hands-on practice with actual equipment and materials, with experienced instructors providing individualized guidance and demonstrating techniques before participants perform each task.

Topics Covered

  • Overview of crime scene and accident photography, including practical methods for documenting scenes.
  • Camera controls: understanding camera buttons, dials, and settings and how they affect photographs.
  • Close-up and macro photography: techniques for capturing fingerprints on different surfaces, tool marks, and ballistic evidence.
  • Exposure: how to achieve proper exposure and control the key camera settings that affect it.
  • Depth of field: using techniques such as hyperfocal distance to capture clear images of evidence.
  • Lighting principles: using flash and continuous light sources and modifying light to improve photographic results.
  • Introduction to alternate light source photography: techniques used with fluorescent fingerprint powders and for detecting body fluids or sub-cutaneous bruising using affordable light sources.
  • Low-light photography: methods for documenting large scenes and small evidence at night using continuous light and electronic flash.
  • Footwear and tire impression photography, including techniques for documenting dust prints from hands and feet.
  • Basic image enhancement techniques for improving clarity in evidentiary photographs.
  • Evidence Preservation: Mastering the "first steps" of documentation and chain of custody.
  • Latent Print Development: Hands-on practice with essential recovery and lifting techniques.
  • Systematic Processing: Efficient collection methods for drug, assault, and property crime scenes.
  • Practical Proficiency: Demonstrating technical skill in the use of processing materials to ensure court-ready results.

Equipment to Bring

Because this course is highly hands-on, participants should bring the equipment they normally use in their work. Please bring: your camera(s), any lighting equipment you use (electronic flash, LED lights, or other lights), and a tripod (a few loaner tripods will be available, but using your own is recommended). Make sure all batteries for cameras and flashes are fully charged, you bring battery chargers, and spare batteries are available if possible. If you have instruction manuals for your cameras or other equipment, please bring them as well. Participants will spend 50% or more of the course working directly with their own equipment while practicing each technique covered in class, so arriving prepared will help you get the most out of the training.

Additional Information

Participants will be issued a kit complete with supplies to be used in class (valued at $208).