Homicide Investigation: From the First Call to the Courtroom for New Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Instructor: Matthew Downing

Location: Avon, IN (Hendricks County, ZIP 46123)

Dates: November 9–11, 2026

Duration: 20 hours

Cost: $325.00

Course Overview

This comprehensive training program prepares newly assigned homicide investigators to successfully manage investigations spanning the entire spectrum from initial emergency dispatch through arrest and subsequent prosecution. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical exercises to develop essential competencies in investigative leadership, crime scene management, forensic evidence recognition, and courtroom preparation.

A primary focus of the course emphasizes sound decision-making during the critical first 24 hours of a homicide investigation, as early investigative actions frequently prove decisive in determining whether an investigation ultimately succeeds or fails.

Topics Covered

Students will develop proficiency in the following areas:

• Understanding the core responsibilities of homicide investigators
• Establishing investigative priorities during initial response activities
• Assuming command and control of homicide crime scenes
• Coordinating comprehensive crime scene processing
• Conducting thorough victimology assessments
• Building detailed investigative timelines
• Performing effective neighborhood canvasses
• Identifying and interviewing witnesses
• Conducting constitutionally sound suspect interviews
• Leveraging digital evidence in investigations
• Collaborating effectively with coroners and medical examiners
• Preparing legally sufficient search warrants
• Organizing comprehensive homicide case files
• Presenting investigative findings to prosecuting attorneys

Categories

Homicide, Investigations