Criminal Investigation Fundamentals

This comprehensive course delivers extensive training on the fundamental processes and methodologies essential to conducting effective criminal investigations across all categories of cases. Participants will progress from understanding proper crime scene response procedures through mastering the skills needed for successful courtroom testimony.

The curriculum equips law enforcement professionals with practical knowledge for investigating both property-related offenses and violent crimes targeting individuals. Instruction covers the critical skills of evidence location, proper documentation procedures, witness and suspect interviewing techniques, and the utilization of investigative networks and databases. Participants will gain proficiency in fundamental investigative work while building a strong foundation for pursuing specialized investigative training in the future.

Course Topics

• Foundational investigative responsibilities and duties
• Case assignment procedures and workload management
• Physical evidence identification and handling
• Witness and suspect interviewing strategies
• Confidential informant management
• Property crime investigation: burglary, financial crimes, organized retail theft
• Violent crime investigation: sexual assault, robbery, death inquiry
• DNA evidence and social media application
• Digital evidence collection: mobile devices, cellular data, geographic location tracking, wireless network analysis
• Case documentation and reporting protocols
• Intelligence data sources

Participant Requirements

This training is designed for patrol officers at all experience levels, detectives in both new and established positions, investigation supervisors, crime scene specialists, medical examiner and coroner staff, military investigators, and civilian personnel requiring regular collaboration with sworn law enforcement. Enrollment is limited to active law enforcement personnel (both sworn and civilian) and medical examiner staff.

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours

Instruction Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Course Fee: $695.00

Instructor: John Cullen

Available Sessions

Session 1: October 19-21, 2026 | Jacksonville, Florida
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Session 2: February 8-10, 2027 | Altamonte Springs, Florida
Altamonte Springs Police Department Training Room, 225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Session 3: March 22-24, 2027 | Canton, Georgia
Canton Police Department, Room TBD, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA 30114

Session 4: April 5-7, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Session 5: October 18-20, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224