Evidence Inspection & Documentation w/ DNA Collection (4.5 CE)

Are there any course requirements or prerequisites?

It is helpful to know the laws and regulations of investigations, Rules of Evidence, and basics of photography / videography, basic report writing, and attention to detail.

There are no prerequisites or quizzes – an exam is available if required for your CE; each chapter has a basic quiz.  This is designed for the interested, new or veteran investigator.

Who is this course for?

All new investigators, as well as experienced looking for a refresher.  Of particular interest to legal investigators in civil litigation and criminal defense.

Evidence Inspection & Documentation w/ DNA Collection

(5 CE / Instruction hours) Evidence Inspection & Documentation is a right to every criminal defendant, and in civil litigation for both plaintiff and defendant. This course will demonstrate to the investigator the reasons, equipment and process of this valuable service. Unfortunately, it is too often ignored. This is important from an evidentiary standpoint, and for effective counsel protection.

This process is as important as reviewing (and begins with) the records, reports and photographs in discovery. It should be considered part of the same process – every time – it complements the discovery review process.

1.       What is Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

It is a simple process for every investigator. Most often no special experience, tools, equipment, or resources are required or needed.

It is simply a matter of reviewing all evidence of the opposing party and documenting it, usually by photography and notes.

2.       Why is Evidence Inspection & Documentation Important?

It is a simple process for every investigator. Most often no special experience, tools, equipment, or resources are required or needed.

It is simply a matter of reviewing all evidence of the opposing party and documenting it, usually by photography and notes.

3.       What is needed for Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

·         If you can review discovery, take notes, and take photographs and/or video – you will be successful in 90% of these assignments.

·         From time-to-time specialized knowledge – such as crime scene and evidence processing – may be helpful or even required.

·         It is important to expand your continuing education and skillsets.

4.       What is the process for Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

As with all matters for your attorney-client, and which maybe introduced to court as evidence, there are processes, including Rules of Evidence, to consider.

Evidence Inspection & Documentation is similar to documenting a crime scene or other scene involving litigation. There are steps to take – by the investigator, and to determine by the investigator if these steps were followed in the official investigation.

5.       Best Reporting Practices for Evidence Inspection & Documentation

Whether memorializing this process in writing via report or confidential work-product memorandum, or verbally to the client, the report should be concisely detailed to demonstrate the process and findings.

As with any investigative report and communication, this may be disclosed and should demonstrate the professionalism of the process.

6.       What about DNA Collection & Documentation?

This course will walk you through the process of the most common DNA collections in criminal defense and civil litigation. From steps and precautions, to tools and materials needed.

Proper care must be taken to collect, document, store, ship, and test any DNA or other evidentiary specimens.

This course will walk you through the process of the most common DNA collections in criminal defense and civil litigation. A case study is presented.

7.       Case Studies in Evidence Inspection & Documentation

Wrapping this course up and bringing this information together with three case studies, including specialized techniques and findings:

·         Knife evidence

·         Sock evidence

·         Shoe evidence

What will students learn in your course?

·         What is Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

·         Why is Evidence Inspection & Documentation Important?

·         What is needed for Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

·         What is the process for Evidence Inspection & Documentation?

·         Best Reporting Practices for Evidence Inspection & Documentation

·         What about DNA Collection & Documentation?

·         Case Studies in Evidence Inspection & Documentation