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​​Forensic Services Training Schedule

This training is taught by the Bureau of Forensic Services and will require registration by completing an application form. Download the application form PDF using the button below:

Forensic Training Registration Application (PDF)

Upon completion, the application can be emailed to ra-pspforensicservices@pa.gov or mail it to:

PA STATE POLICE – BUREAU OF FORENSIC SERVICES
TRAINING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT SECTION – COURSE REGISTRATION
1800 ELMERTON AVENUE
HARRISBURG, PA 17110

Upon receipt of the application, the applicant will receive a registration confirmation/denial email within 15 business days. The training is at no cost to the student. Lodging and meals are not provided.

All Applicants must be law enforcement officers with current or anticipated forensic-related duties related to the Course or be an employee of a law enforcement agency and have forensic-related duties. Determinations of acceptance into a Training Course shall be made on a case by case basis by the Supervisor of the Training and Technical Support Section. 

COURSES


Basic Crime Scene Photography

March 18-22, 2024

THIS COURSE IS FULL, but we are accepting applications for a waiting list.

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in the basic principles and fundamentals of a digital camera, lens selection, use of electronic flash, macro-photography and documentation. Requirement: Student must bring a SLR digital camera with manual, memory card/stick, tripod, sync cord, external flash unit, extra batteries for camera, normal lens (example: 50mm or 28-105mm) and macro lens (close-up lens for latent print photography), locking shutter release cable, and flashlight. Equipment cannot be shared.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 26 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Basic Crime Scene Photography

April 8-12, 2024

THIS COURSE IS FULL, but we are accepting applications for a waiting list.

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in the basic principles and fundamentals of a digital camera, lens selection, use of electronic flash, macro-photography and documentation. Requirement: Student must bring a SLR digital camera with manual, memory card/stick, tripod, sync cord, external flash unit, extra batteries for camera, normal lens (example: 50mm or 28-105mm) and macro lens (close-up lens for latent print photography), locking shutter release cable, and flashlight. Equipment cannot be shared.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 26 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Basic Crime Scene Investigation

April 22-May 3, 2024

THIS COURSE IS FULL, but we are accepting applications for a waiting list.

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This is an introductory course into crime scene investigation. Course instruction provided in the areas of Physical Evidence, Crime scene Management, types of evidence found at the crime scene, proper collection techniques, submissions to Regional Crime Labs, and courtroom testimony. Each student will participate in the mock crime scenes. Prerequisite for registration: Basic Crime Scene Photography or equivalent PSP approved training.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 64 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Shoe and Tire Impression Evidence

June 5-7, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides instruction in the history of shoe and tire impression evidence, search, documentation, and the collection of the impression evidence. Students will participate in several workshops including photography, measuring, and casting impression evidence. Prerequisite for registration: Crime Scene Photography or equivalent PSP approved training.


Latent Print Photography

June 24-26, 2024

THIS COURSE IS FULL, but we are accepting applications for a waiting list.​

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in photography of latent print evidence through proper lighting techniques. Topics include equipment needed and the use of that equipment, the importance of scales, an introduction to the forensic light source, and the value of proper lighting. Requirement: Each Student must bring a SLR digital camera with manual, memory card/stick, tripod, sync cord, external flash unit, extra batteries for camera, normal lens (example: 50mm or 28-105mm) and macro lens (close-up lens for latent print photography), locking shutter release cable, and flashlight.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 15 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Advanced Latent Print Techniques​

July 17-19, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in the proper sequencing of latent print processing, utilization of an alternate light source, and practical experience with the use of reagents in the development of latent prints. Requirements: Student must bring a small flashlight. Student must wear safety goggles, provided at Laboratory, at all times while in the Laboratory.​


Basic Crime Scene Photography

August 12-16, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in the basic principles and fundamentals of a digital camera, lens selection, use of electronic flash, macro-photography and documentation. Requirement: Student must bring a SLR digital camera with manual, memory card/stick, tripod, sync cord, external flash unit, extra batteries for camera, normal lens (example: 50mm or 28-105mm) and macro lens (close-up lens for latent print photography), locking shutter release cable, and flashlight.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 26 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Basic Crime Scene Photography

August 26-30, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides training in the basic principles and fundamentals of a digital camera, lens selection, use of electronic flash, macro-photography and documentation. Requirement: Student must bring a SLR digital camera with manual, memory card/stick, tripod, sync cord, external flash unit, extra batteries for camera, normal lens (example: 50mm or 28-105mm) and macro lens (close-up lens for latent print photography), locking shutter release cable, and flashlight.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 26 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.​


Basic Crime Scene Investigation

September 9-20, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This is an introductory course into crime scene investigation. Course instruction provided in the areas of Physical Evidence, Crime scene Management, types of evidence found at the crime scene, proper collection techniques, submissions to Regional Crime Labs, and courtroom testimony. Each student will participate in the mock crime scenes. Prerequisite for registration: Basic Crime Scene Photography or equivalent PSP approved training.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 64 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Advanced Latent Print Identification

October 21 - ​November 1, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course provides a refresher in the foundation of friction ridge analysis with respect to the history and science of fingerprints, pattern recognition and comparison techniques. Students will conduct challenging latent print examinations and comparisons. Each student will be required to successfully complete a written examination and competency comparison test. Students will observe a mock trial, relating to a mock investigation. Prerequisite for registration: Basic Latent Print Identification (AKA: Basic Fingerprint ID Course) or equivalent PSP approved training.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 64 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.


Basic Latent Print Identification

November 18-22​, 2024

Bureau of Forensic Services Training Facility, 1800 Herr Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Course Description: This course is a basic introduction into the science of friction ridge analysis and fingerprint identification. This course provides the foundation in friction ridge analysis covering the history of fingerprints, pattern recognition and comparison techniques. Practicum included. Students will need to bring two fingerprint magnifiers with Henry Discs or same to the Course.

CERTIFICATION: This course has been approved for 32 hours of certification/re-certification training credit by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.