Crime Scene Training Frequently Asked Questions
This Crime Scene Training FAQ answers questions about registration, hosting a course, payment, TCOLE reporting, and training logistics for law enforcement agencies and attendees.
What are the benefits of hosting a course at our agency?
Hosting a course can reduce travel and lodging costs for your personnel while bringing on-site forensic training directly to your agency.
Host agencies may receive free course seats based on paid attendees:
- 1 free seat with 6 paid attendees
- 2 free seats with 10 paid attendees
- 3 free seats with 14 paid attendees
The host agency helps promote the course and recruit attendees. Pinnacle Forensics provides course promotion materials, including a course flyer, registration information, a course webpage, and a host agency promotional packet with ready-to-use email and social media copy that the host agency may share with internal personnel, nearby agencies, training coordinators, or regional law enforcement contacts.
Pinnacle Forensics also posts the class on selected training websites and covers instructor travel and related expenses.
See the individual course pages for any room or facility requirements.
Contact Pinnacle Forensics to discuss dates, course fit, and hosting logistics.
What are the enrollment and cancellation policies?
- Payment secures enrollment in the course.
- A course interest email or similar inquiry does not guarantee enrollment.
- Checks, credit card payments, and purchase orders must be received before the course start date or before the course reaches capacity.
- Once Pinnacle Forensics receives payment or a purchase order and secures enrollment, we will send a confirmation email to the attendee or employing agency.
- An enrollee who does not attend the course without prior notice and acknowledgment of that notice will forfeit the full course cost.
- Pinnacle Forensics will issue a full refund for cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date.
- Pinnacle Forensics will send a cancellation confirmation before issuing the refund.
- Cancellations made within 14 days of the course start date will incur a $300 fee.
- Substitutions are allowed at any time.
- Pinnacle Forensics will issue a full refund in an emergency upon receipt of proper documentation.
- Pinnacle Forensics reserves the right to cancel a course due to low enrollment.
- If Pinnacle Forensics cancels a course, affected agencies will receive at least 2 weeks’ notice and a prompt refund of all tuition.
Are there any prerequisites for your training courses?
No. These courses do not require prior specialized training. They are designed to provide practical instruction for personnel responsible for documenting, processing, or investigating crime scenes.
Who are your training courses designed for?
Our training courses are designed primarily for law enforcement personnel responsible for documenting, processing, or investigating crime scenes. We also frequently allow attendees from outside law enforcement on a case-by-case basis.
Are your courses lecture-based, hands-on, or both?
Our courses combine lecture instruction with practical exercises and are based heavily on hands-on training. The goal is to build applied skills that attendees can use in real investigations.
Do your courses provide IAI credits?
Yes. Both the Crime Scene Photography and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis courses are approved for IAI certification credit.
The 40-hour Crime Scene Photography course provides 40 credits toward Initial Forensic Photography & Imaging (FP&I) Certification and 40 credits toward Crime Scene Certification and Recertification.
The 40-hour Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course provides 40 credits toward Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Certification and Recertification and 40 credits toward Crime Scene Certification and Recertification.
I live in Texas. Can I get TCOLE credits?
Yes. Pinnacle Forensics courses are eligible for TCOLE continuing education credit hours. Pinnacle Forensics provides supporting documentation for agency submission and training records. View TCOLE credit information.
What methods are available to pay course tuition?
You can pay by check or credit card. Agency purchase orders are also accepted.
Can I enroll in a course with an agency purchase order?
Yes. Once we receive the purchase order, we will confirm enrollment in the course.
What does a host agency need for the Crime Scene Photography course?
For the Crime Scene Photography course, the host agency should provide a room that supports audio and visual presentation for the lecture portion. Some exercises are performed outdoors, and one evening is dedicated to nighttime photography. This course is structured to combine classroom instruction with practical photographic exercises.
What does a host agency need for the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course?
For the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis course, the host agency should provide a room that can accommodate PowerPoint presentations and a sound system for the lecture portion.
The course also requires a large area with flat walls and hard floors for the practical exercises, preferably indoors, with a ceiling height of at least 10 feet. A gymnasium-type room works very well.
Access to refrigeration for stored blood is helpful, but a cooler pack can also be used
Can our agency host the Crime Scene Photography course outside Texas?
Yes. Pinnacle Forensics will travel anywhere within the United States to teach the Crime Scene Photography course.
Contact Pinnacle Forensics for help with registration, hosting, scheduling, or course selection.
What students and professionals say
Feedback from law enforcement personnel and forensic professionals reflects the practical, methodical approach used throughout Pinnacle Forensics training, case review, and consulting.
Very knowledgeable instructor who breaks down difficult concepts into easy-to-remember concepts with insightful hands-on practicals.
Paul Richards
Fremont Police Department
John gave great lectures and included a lot of hands-on exercises. As someone new to this field, I feel confident enough to go and take photos at any scene.
Crystal Carbajal
Rockport Police Department
The instructor is extremely knowledgeable and helpful in trying to help others succeed. I would highly recommend this training to anyone working in crime scene investigation.
Noah Hood
Longview Police Department
View upcoming hands-on crime scene training, host a course at your agency, or request a case review when independent forensic consultation is needed.
Host a Crime Scene Training Course
Pinnacle Forensics delivers on-site crime scene investigator training for law enforcement agencies—taught at your location for your personnel.
Hosting lets you train multiple personnel at once while reducing travel costs and minimizing time away from duty.
Benefits of hosting a course
- Train multiple personnel at the same time
Instruction delivered at your agency or a preferred location
Reduced travel and lodging expenses
Applicable to patrol officers, investigators, and supervisors
Hosting agency tuition may be waived when minimum enrollment requirements are met
Contact Pinnacle Forensics for hosting details, scheduling options, course formats, and minimum enrollment requirements.