📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Lerah Sutton, PhD

Forensic Taphonomy and Clandestine Gravesite Detection/Excavation provides an in-depth exploration of the processes involved in human decomposition and the factors influencing the preservation or alteration of skeletal remains in natural environments. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on field exercises, participants will learn how to identify and interpret stages of decomposition, estimate postmortem intervals, and apply forensic taphonomic principles to locate, assess, and excavate clandestine gravesites. Emphasizing real-world applications, the course will equip participants with critical skills in crime scene investigation, focusing on methods for detecting hidden burial sites and the systematic recovery of evidence. 

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Jason Byrd, PhD

Forensic Entomology offers a comprehensive study of the role insects play in death investigations, particularly in estimating time of death and understanding postmortem processes. Through engaging lectures and practical field exercises, participants will learn how to identify common forensic insects, analyze their life cycles, and interpret entomological evidence found at crime scenes. The session covers key topics such as the use of insect development to estimate the postmortem interval, the effects of environmental factors on decomposition, and the application of entomological evidence in legal investigations, providing participants with valuable skills for real-world forensic casework.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

During this field session, participants will conduct a surface search for evidence, learn the principles of establishing a datum and subdatum for a reference grid, and excavate a mock clandestine burial.

Please Note: This activity is subject to change contingent on the weather conditions.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Participants learn the proper techniques for the collection of entomological evidence, and will be able to test their skills while collecting entomological evidence from a mock crime scene.

Please Note: CrimeCamp attendees will be working with and handling fryer chickens during this hands-on activity.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Gabriel Suboch, PhD

Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis introduces students to the science of interpreting bloodstains at crime scenes to reconstruct events and establish investigative leads. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on field exercises, participants will explore the principles behind bloodstain formation, including impact patterns, spatter analysis, and the role of gravity, surface texture, and force. This session will teach students how to methodically document, analyze, and interpret bloodstain patterns, equipping them with the essential skills needed for forensic investigations involving violent crimes and providing insights into how blood evidence can support or refute theories of criminal activity.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Sharon Plotkin, Ed

Shooting Reconstruction provides an in-depth exploration of the methods used to investigate and reconstruct shooting incidents. Through a combination of lectures and field exercises, participants will learn to analyze physical evidence such as bullet trajectories, firearm markings, and gunshot wounds to determine the positions of involved parties, the sequence of events, and the mechanics of the shooting. Emphasizing real-world applications, the course covers topics including the interpretation of ballistic trajectory, scene documentation, and the use of technology in reconstructing shooting scenarios. Participants will gain practical skills in applying forensic principles to understand and solve shooting-related cases.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Participants will see pre-staged common patterns of blood spatter, and then be able to create their own bloodstain pattern using theatrical blood to develop their understanding of how blood is deposited on surfaces, and the influence various surfaces have on the appearance of bloodstains.  Participants will also be able to determine trajectory and point of origin.  

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Participants will be able to determine the trajectory of projectiles on various surfaces and learn how scene documentation is conducted for crime scenes involving shooting incidents.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Sharon Plotkin, Ed

Fingerprints provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods used for collecting, preserving, and analyzing fingerprint evidence in forensic investigations. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on field exercises, participants will learn the techniques for lifting prints from various surfaces, documenting their findings, and applying classification systems for comparison and identification. The course covers the scientific principles behind fingerprint formation, the various types of prints, and the legal standards for presenting fingerprint evidence in court. Participants will gain practical skills in both traditional and advanced fingerprint analysis techniques, preparing them for real-world forensic casework.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Speaker: Gabi Suboch, Ph.D.

Casting, Toolmarks, and Impressions explores the forensic techniques used to analyze marks left on surfaces by tools, weapons, and other objects, providing critical evidence in criminal investigations. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on field exercises, participants will learn the methods for casting toolmarks, and impressions found at crime scenes, including shoeprints, tire treads, and bite marks. The course covers the identification and comparison of toolmarks, the process of casting and documenting impressions, and the use of these techniques in forensic casework. Participants will gain practical skills in preserving and analyzing physical evidence that can link suspects to crimes or provide valuable investigative leads.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Participants will use various fingerprint powders to develop latent prints from various surfaces and learn about the general classification of fingerprints.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Participants will create toolmark and footwear impressions in soil and learn how to make impression casts using various techniques for the preservation of impression evidence.

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus

Closing Remarks, Certificates of Completion Distribution & Group Photo! 

📍 Austin Cary Forest Campus