Wildlife Crime Scene Processing

Course Description

This course will serve as an introduction to wildlife crime scene investigations. The purpose of the course is to give the student an overview of procedures and protocols that can be used when processing a wildlife crime scene and will discuss in detail various types of evidence.

Course Objectives

At the successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of forensic science and its disciplines and will know how to properly document and process a crime scene where wildlife may be the victim or possibly the perpetrator. Students will gain an understanding of evidence recognition and handling as well as record keeping in order to prevent undocumented scene details or lost or damaged evidence. The student will have learned the various methods to properly conduct a search of the scene and record information, as well as tricks and techniques for equipment improvisation when in the field. The student will also be familiar with the various presumptive test methods that can be utilized at the scene to identify items of evidence, and will have gained a background in basic species morphology.


Course Topics

Module Topic
Module 1 Course Introduction/History of Forensic Science
Module 2 Relevant Criminal Law Basics
Module 3 Evidence: Identification
Module 4 Evidence: Collection, Preservation, Processing
Module 5 Scene Processing: Photography & Sketching
Module 6 Scene Processing: Search & Measurements
Module 7 Impression Evidence
Module 8 Fish & Reptile Forensic Analysis
Module 9 Avian & Mammal Forensic Analysis
Module 10 Forensic Entomology
Module 11 Forensic Botany
Module 12 Genetics & Toxicology
Module 13 Serology & Ballistics
Module 14 Morphology & Anthropology