Forensic Diving Courses

[force-e]

Hi! This is actually my first post to the board! I'm hoping that someone could offer me some enlightenment!

Does anyone know of any specific Forensic Diving Courses for the non-law enforcement/ non college student diver? I currently live in Florida and am familiar with the program at Florida State University, but the time frame is a little protracted for my schedule. (and i'm not a student at FSU). I also know of a few independent ones offered to law enforcement, unfortunately I am not law enforcement. I wouldn't have a problem traveling, just not for six months - the boss might not like that too much.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[vablackwater]

Can a mod move this to the PSD forum?

PSD agencies such as (in no particular order):
Dive Rescue International
Emergency Response Diving International
Lifeguard Systems
Underwater Criminal Investigators

have forensic and evidence recovery specific programs. The agencies I am familiar with require a team/ public service affiliation (police, fire, ems, military) before accepting you in to a program.

 

[force-e]

Absolutely! I didn't really know which section to post it under.! Thanks

 

[sohnje]

I find your question interesting. Most forensic dive training focuses around proper collection of potential evidence and the preservation of what was collected to reduce the chance of environmental or personal contanimation. Forensic courses are limited to law enforcement as the method of evidence collection is typically not broadcast to the public for evident reasons. If your not into law enforcement, you'll never utilize the training? Would be a waste of your money or time.

 

[Doc]

:sblogo: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...500-underwater-crime-scene-investigation.html

 

[Diver0001]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Similar threads moved to PSD and merged.

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[BladesRobinson]

I will ask the questions that any other responsible training agency should ask. Why would a person who is not a law enforcement officer want to attend an underwater forensic (law enforcement) diving program? How would one benefit from this training other than to possibly to commit the perfect crime?

The training you are asking about is provided on a "need to know" basis. To take a program offered through Dive Rescue International, you must be affiliated with a public safety agency or sponsored by a public safety agency. To attend Dive Rescue International's Underwater Crime Scene Technician I or Technician II programs, you must be a sworn officer or sponsored by the police chief or sheriff in your community.

We offer a "correspondence course" for our Underwater Investigation program using the Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigation (by Robert G. Teather) and the accompanying student workbook. You can purchase the Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigation (manual and workbook), through Dive Rescue International at 800-248-3483. These manuals are in the "public domain" through the publisher so that is why we offer them for sale. To obtain a Dive Rescue International certificate though, I believe the certification department will require proof of agency affiliation.

 

[Ed L.]

There is the consulting angle that might be an option. There is a forensics course available to locksmiths should one wish to get involved with such a thing and the locksmiths that I am on line with that do this get paid very well for consulting. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[force-e]

Odd response sohnje... but you are probably right - how silly of me to think any diver would ever use skills such as low vis training or search and recovery techniques. I took a marine archaeology course in college about ten years ago - it was awesome! I have never again done any archaeology related work and it was worth every penny and hour! - especially the buoyancy control skills that were required and the overall attention to detail that was instilled. I find it a shame you have such a limited view! Thanks!

 

[force-e]

I will ask the questions that any other responsible training agency should ask. Why would a person who is not a law enforcement officer want to attend an underwater forensic (law enforcement) diving program? How would one benefit from this training other than to possibly to commit the perfect crime?

The training you are asking about is provided on a "need to know" basis. To take a program offered through Dive Rescue International, you must be affiliated with a public safety agency or sponsored by a public safety agency. To attend Dive Rescue International's Underwater Crime Scene Technician I or Technician II programs, you must be a sworn officer or sponsored by the police chief or sheriff in your community.

We offer a "correspondence course" for our Underwater Investigation program using the Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigation (by Robert G. Teather) and the accompanying student workbook. You can purchase the Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigation (manual and workbook), through Dive Rescue International at 800-248-3483. These manuals are in the "public domain" through the publisher so that is why we offer them for sale. To obtain a Dive Rescue International certificate though, I believe the certification department will require proof of agency affiliation.

You got me! My intention was to plan the perfect crime - that's why I posted to a public, general diving forum for information. Great catch...

I was a military diver for a number of years after completing my undergraduate studies in Criminalistics. I have worked with and been deployed with quite a few law enforcement and public saftey dive teams, SAR units, and the FBI dive teams after 9/11. I have been working in the recreational arena for a while now and pursuing my Master's in Forensic Science/ Crime Reconstruction. As part of a resume' package for a few PRIVATE companies, I thought it might be beneficial to have specific course documentation to supplement my experiences, since I never got around to "becoming law enforcement". I find it amazing, and really shortsighted, that so many people fail to see the benefits of extending one's skill set/training/ education! And then you throw in a sales plug?! I appreciate the info.

There is no such thing as a perfect crime...